Question

A client has been diagnosed with a vascular neurocognitive disorder and the family asks the nurse about the progression of the disease. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the family education? (Select all that apply.)

A. "The course of the disease is degenerative, but it is highly variable depending upon the individual."
B. "There will be abrupt personality changes along with speech and language deterioration."
C. "The deposits of plaque and tangles in the brain will interfere with thinking and memory."
D. "The progression of symptoms can occur in a step-wise fashion with the client seemingly better at times."
E. "The decline will be rapid and the client will show signs of tremor similar to Parkinson's disease."
F. "It is important to monitor blood pressure and diet to reduce further damage."

Answer 1

The nurse should include the statements that emphasize the degenerative nature of the disease, the impact of plaque and tangles on thinking and memory, and the possibility of symptom progression in a step-wise manner.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include the following statements in the family education:

• A. "The course of the disease is degenerative, but it is highly variable depending upon the individual."
• C. "The deposits of plaque and tangles in the brain will interfere with thinking and memory."
• D. "The progression of symptoms can occur in a step-wise fashion with the client seemingly better at times."

These statements provide accurate information about the progression of vascular neurocognitive disorder. Statement A emphasizes that the disease is degenerative but varies in its course from person to person. Statement C explains that the deposits of plaque and tangles in the brain contribute to thinking and memory problems. Statement D highlights the possibility of symptom progression occurring in a step-wise fashion with periods of improvement.