When Asked About the Prognosis for a Patient Diagnosed with a Dementia

question 4

Multiple Choice

When asked about the prognosis for a patient diagnosed with a dementia secondary to normal pressure hydrocephalus the nurse replies:

• A) "Unfortunately the prognosis is for a downhill course ending in death."
• B) "There will be good days and bad days for the rest of the patient's life."
• C) "The symptoms generally remit after a shunt is inserted to drain fluid."
• D) "We'll try our very best, but only time will tell how successful we are."

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Definitions:

Genetic Factors

Those hereditary qualities and genes inherited from parents that influence physical and behavioural characteristics.

Depression

A mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest, affecting how one feels, thinks, and handles daily activities.

Internal

Pertaining to or situated within something; inner, especially referring to processes or phenomena occurring within an entity or organism.

Stable

Referring to a condition or situation that is not undergoing significant change or variation and is steady or unchanging over time.