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The client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease is admitted to the surgical unit for a biopsy. Which client problem is the priority?

A) Potential for injury related to chronic confusion and physical deficits
B) Risk for reduced mobility related to progression of disability
C) Potential for skin breakdown related to immobility and/or impaired nutritional status
D) Lack of social contact related to personality and behavior changes

1 Answer

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Final answer:

For a client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease admitted for a biopsy, the priority is addressing the potential for injury due to chronic confusion and physical deficits associated with the disease.

Step-by-step explanation:

When considering the admission of a client with early-stage Alzheimer's disease to a surgical unit for a biopsy, the priority client problem is A) Potential for injury related to chronic confusion and physical deficits. This priority is due to the progressive nature of Alzheimer's, which causes disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, and difficulty with planning and executing tasks. These cognitive impairments may lead the patient to unknowingly place themselves in circumstances where they could be injured, particularly in a novel and potentially stressful environment such as a surgical unit. The risk of injury is compounded if the patient also experiences any physical deficits. Although other issues like reduced mobility, potential for skin breakdown, and social contact are also important, they are generally secondary to the immediate safety concerns associated with chronic confusion and potential for unexpected injury.

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