Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 90%
Simulated
Which short-term outcome should the nurse include in the initial treatment plan for a client with dementia?
Correct answer
B
Rationale
The core feature of dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function, including memory and the ability to perform complex tasks. A realistic, short-term outcome focuses on maintaining functional independence in Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), which is a primary nursing goal. Outcomes related to the absence of psychotic symptoms like hallucinations (A), delusions, or paranoia (D) are more applicable to primary psychotic disorders, not the primary cognitive deficits of dementia. An outcome based on remembering names (C) is often unrealistic due to the memory impairment inherent in the disease and is not a measure of functional improvement.