A nurse is planning care for a client who has Alzheimer’s disease and is in the terminal phase. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

Choice A reason: In terminal Alzheimer’s disease, severe neurodegeneration in the cortex and hippocampus impairs language centers, reducing speech to a few words or none. This reflects advanced cognitive decline, a hallmark of the terminal phase, making this an expected finding. Choice B reason: Terminal Alzheimer’s patients require cueing to eat due to apraxia and severe cognitive impairment, disrupting motor planning and recognition of food. This dependency is expected as brain function deteriorates, making this a correct finding. Choice C reason: Inability to sit up in terminal Alzheimer’s results from progressive motor cortex damage and muscle weakness. Advanced neurodegeneration impairs physical function, requiring full support, making this an expected finding in the terminal phase. Choice D reason: Needing assistance with finances occurs early in Alzheimer’s due to cognitive decline but is not specific to the terminal phase. Terminal patients are typically non-communicative and bedridden, making financial management irrelevant, so this choice is incorrect.