BCG BCG Cognitive Decline & Dementia Care 3

Question 1

Delirium differs from dementia in that delirium typically:

Accepted Answer

Has an acute onset with fluctuating consciousness and an identifiable cause

Answer

Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating course, altered consciousness, and an identifiable precipitating cause, unlike the gradual irreversible decline of dementia.

Question 2

Which of the following is a common reversible cause of delirium in hospitalized older adults, summarized by the mnemonic DELIRIUM?

Accepted Answer

Urinary tract infection

Answer

Urinary tract infections are among the most common and treatable precipitating causes of delirium in hospitalized older adults.

Question 3

The cholinesterase inhibitor donepezil (Aricept) is approved for which stage(s) of Alzheimer's disease?

Accepted Answer

Mild to severe stages

Answer

Donepezil is FDA-approved for all stages of Alzheimer's disease—mild, moderate, and severe—making it the most broadly approved cholinesterase inhibitor.

Question 4

What is the primary role of the gerontological nurse when a patient with dementia refuses medications?

Accepted Answer

Investigate the reason for refusal, explore alternatives, and respect capacity-based decision-making

Answer

The nurse should assess for decisional capacity, explore reasons for refusal, consider alternative formulations, and uphold the patient's rights within ethical and legal frameworks.

Question 5

Caregiver burden in families caring for individuals with dementia is most effectively reduced by:

Accepted Answer

Providing access to respite care, support groups, and psychoeducation

Answer

Respite care, support groups, and psychoeducation are evidence-based interventions that reduce caregiver burden, depression, and burnout.

(BCG) Board Certification in Gerontology Practice Test

(BCG) Board Certification in Gerontology Practice Test

BCG BCG Cognitive Decline & Dementia Care 3