You are the nurse working in an outpatient clinic. Thisafternoon, a woman brings in her father, K.B., who is 74 years old.The daughter reports that over the past year she has noticed herfather has progressive problems with his mental capacity. Thesechanges have developed gradually but seem to be getting worse. Attimes, he is alert, and at other times he seems disoriented,depressed, and tearful. He is forgetting things and doing thingsout of the ordinary, such as placing the milk in the cupboard andsugar in the refrigerator. K.B. reports that he has been havingmemory problems for the past year and at times has difficultyremembering the names of family members and friends. His neighborfound K.B. down the street 2 days ago, and he did not know where hewas. This morning he thought it was nighttime and wondered what hisdaughter was doing at his house. He could not pour his own coffee,and he seems to be getting more agitated. A review of his medicalhistory is significant for hypercholesterolemia and coronary arterydisease.
After reviewing K.B.’s history and diagnostic test results,K.B. is diagnosed with Alzheimer disease (AD). The provider calls afamily conference to discuss the implications with K.B. and hisfamily. Fortunately, K.B. has a supportive daughter and 3 sons wholive nearby who can function as caregivers.
1) K.B.’s son asks, “How did he get Alzheimer’s disease?We don’t know anyone else who has it.” How would yourespond?
The family decides they will provide 24-hour supervision athome for K.B. using a combination of family, friends, and homehealth caregivers. K.B. receives a prescription for donepezilorally 5 mg daily.
2. What do you need to teach K.B. and his family aboutdonepezil?
