Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

Which condition is characterized by an ongoing decline in intellectual functioning that disrupts social or occupational functioning?

1. Delirium

2. Alzheimer’s disease

3. Dementia

4. Amnesia

The correct answer is: Dementia

Dementia is characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive abilities, significantly impacting an individual's social and occupational functioning. This decline encompasses various cognitive domains, including memory, reasoning, judgment, and language, leading to difficulties in performing everyday activities and maintaining relationships. In dementia, these changes are not due to a delirium state, which is typically reversible and often tied to acute medical issues like infections or substance intoxication. Additionally, while Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia that accounts for the majority of dementia cases, the question references the overall condition rather than a specific subtype. Amnesia primarily relates to memory loss, which can occur without the broader functional declines and social interference seen in dementia. Therefore, the definition of dementia best encompasses the ongoing decline in intellectual functioning and its disruptive effects on daily life.