A nurse is caring for a client who has delirium.
Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Gradual onset.
Difficulty swallowing.
Slowed, flat speech.
Impaired judgment.
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale
Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating onset of disturbances in attention and cognition that develop over a short period, typically hours to days. A gradual onset is more characteristic of conditions like dementia rather than the rapid changes seen in delirium.
Choice B rationale
Difficulty swallowing, or dysphagia, is not a primary characteristic of delirium. While neurological conditions can cause both delirium and dysphagia, difficulty swallowing is not a core diagnostic criterion for delirium itself. Other conditions should be considered for this specific finding.
Choice C rationale
Slowed, flat speech is more commonly associated with depression or neurological conditions rather than delirium. Delirium typically presents with disorganized thinking and speech that may be rapid, incoherent, or difficult to follow, reflecting the altered level of consciousness and attention.
Choice D rationale
Impaired judgment is a key feature of delirium. The disturbance in attention and cognition affects the ability to process information, think clearly, and make sound decisions. This can manifest as poor understanding of situations, impulsive behavior, and an inability to appreciate potential consequences.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Respecting the client's autonomy is paramount in nursing practice. If a client explicitly states they do not want visitors, the nurse should communicate this directly to the sibling. This upholds the client's right to make decisions about their care and interactions.
Choice B rationale
While the provider may be involved in the client's overall care, directly referring the sibling regarding visitation preferences bypasses the nurse's role in communicating the client's wishes. The nurse has a responsibility to act on the client's stated preferences.
Choice C rationale
Encouraging the client to see the sibling might undermine the client's expressed wishes and feelings. The nurse should first respect the client's decision and explore the reasons behind it before suggesting a visit.
Choice D rationale
Arranging a visit in the dayroom without the client's consent disregards their autonomy and right to privacy. The client has the right to decide who they interact with and where those interactions occur.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale
Asking "Do you feel like your anger is becoming more manageable?" directly assesses the client's subjective experience of their anger levels. This is a crucial indicator of the treatment's effectiveness as it reflects the client's internal perception of change in their emotional regulation. While objective measures are also important, the client's self-report provides valuable insight into the practical impact of therapy on their daily life.
Choice B rationale
Asking "What do you do when something makes you angry?" explores the client's behavioral responses to anger-provoking situations. While this provides information about their coping mechanisms, it doesn't directly evaluate whether their anger is becoming more manageable overall. The client might still be engaging in maladaptive behaviors even if they are learning new strategies.
Choice C rationale
Asking "Did you learn any coping strategies from your counselor?" assesses the client's acquisition of new skills taught in therapy. While learning coping strategies is a goal of anger management, it doesn't necessarily indicate that the client is effectively applying these strategies or experiencing a reduction in the intensity or frequency of their anger.
Choice D rationale
Asking "Have you been attending your anger management group?" evaluates the client's adherence to the treatment plan. While attendance is important for progress, it doesn't directly measure the effectiveness of the therapy itself. A client may attend sessions without actively engaging or experiencing a reduction in their anger.
Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.
Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
