A nurse educator is teaching student nurses about droplet precautions. The educator emphasizes the differences between indications for droplet precautions versus airborne precautions. Which of the following statements about droplet precautions are correct? (SELECT ALL THAT APPLY)

C. Delirium is often reversible once the underlying cause is identified and treated (e.g., correcting electrolyte imbalances, managing infections, discontinuing medications contributing to delirium). With appropriate intervention, the mental status can improve, and the individual can return to their baseline cognitive function.

A. Dementia, on the other hand, is a chronic, progressive syndrome that primarily affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It does not typically cause acute changes in consciousness.

B. Memory impairment is a hallmark feature of dementia, especially in the early stages. In contrast, delirium primarily affects attention, awareness, and cognition acutely, with memory impairment being variable and not a defining feature.

D. Delirium develops rapidly, often over hours to days, in response to an acute medical condition, medication change, or other factors. It is characterized by a fluctuating course and can resolve once the underlying cause is managed.

B. Deep breathing and coughing exercises help to maintain lung expansion and prevent atelectasis (collapse of lung tissue), clear secretions from the airways, which can reduce the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, improve oxygenation and ventilation-perfusion matching in the lungs. Additionally, deep breathing exercises can stimulate circulation indirectly by improving oxygenation and gas exchange, which can benefit circulatory function.

A. Massaging bony areas can help prevent pressure ulcers (bedsores) in immobile patients, but it does not directly improve respiratory or circulatory functions. While skin integrity is important, it does not address the physiological needs of respiratory and circulatory systems.

C. While nutrition is important for overall health, especially in a nonresponsive client who may not be able to feed themselves orally, tube feedings primarily address nutritional needs and do not directly impact respiratory or circulatory functions. They are important for preventing malnutrition and supporting recovery, but they do not specifically target the goals of improving respiratory or circulatory functions.

D. Changing positions regularly is crucial for preventing complications such as pressure ulcers and maintaining skin integrity. It can also aid in improving circulation by relieving pressure on vulnerable areas and promoting blood flow. Proper positioning can optimize respiratory function by preventing pooling of secretions and improving lung ventilation. Additionally, positional changes encourage movement of the diaphragm and chest wall, which aids in ventilation and gas exchange.