A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who was admitted with heart failure. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider as an indication of delirium?
Demonstrates obsessive behaviors
Fluctuating level of orientation
Family report of gradual memory loss
Consistent state of depression
The Correct Answer is B
A. Obsessive behaviors, such as repetitive actions or fixations on specific thoughts or tasks, can be indicative of delirium. Delirium often manifests with altered behavior patterns that are unusual for the individual, including obsessive or compulsive-like behaviors that are not typical of their baseline mental status. However, this is not specific to delirium.
B. Fluctuating orientation, where the client is sometimes alert and oriented and at other times confused or disoriented, is a hallmark of delirium. Unlike dementia, which typically presents with a more steady decline in cognitive function, delirium is characterized by rapid changes in mental status over hours to days. This fluctuation is important to note as it strongly suggests delirium rather than other chronic cognitive impairments.
C. Gradual memory loss reported by family members is more suggestive of chronic conditions such as dementia rather than delirium. Delirium, in contrast, is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating course rather than a gradual decline in cognitive abilities over time.
D. Depression can coexist with delirium, but a consistent state of depression without acute changes in mental status is less indicative of delirium. Delirium is characterized by rapid changes in cognition and behavior rather than a persistent mood disorder. Therefore, while depression should be assessed and managed appropriately, it is not typically a sign of delirium unless there are acute changes in mental status accompanying it.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a commonly used psychotherapy approach for bipolar disorder. Attending a CBT class typically does not require specific informed consent beyond the general consent for treatment, as it involves non-invasive, non-experimental therapeutic techniques aimed at improving coping skills and managing symptoms. In most cases, attending therapy sessions like CBT is considered part of routine care for mental health conditions.
B. Experimental medications involve drugs or treatments that are not yet approved by regulatory agencies (such as the FDA in the United States) for general use. For a client to participate in a clinical trial or receive an experimental medication, they must provide explicit informed consent after being informed about the potential risks, benefits, and uncertainties associated with the treatment. This process ensures that the client understands they are participating in research and not receiving standard care.
C. Participating in a group exercise program is generally considered a routine therapeutic intervention aimed at promoting physical health and well-being. While informed consent is important for all interventions, including exercise programs, it typically involves providing general information about the program's goals, activities, and any potential risks. Clients are not consenting to experimental treatments or procedures that go beyond standard exercise protocols.
D. Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is a treatment often used for seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders. It involves exposure to specific wavelengths of light to regulate circadian rhythms and improve mood. While light therapy is a specialized treatment, it is a standard intervention for mood disorders and does not typically require separate informed consent beyond what is provided for standard medical treatments.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Buprenorphine is primarily used for the treatment of opioid dependence, not alcohol detoxification. It is a partial opioid agonist and can precipitate withdrawal symptoms in individuals dependent on opioids. Therefore, it is not appropriate for alcohol detoxification and would not typically be administered in this context.
B. Diazepam belongs to the benzodiazepine class of medications and is commonly used during alcohol detoxification. Benzodiazepines help manage symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety, tremors, agitation, and seizures. They work by enhancing the effects of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), which is an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Diazepam has a longer duration of action and is preferred in managing alcohol withdrawal due to its smoother pharmacokinetic profile compared to shorter-acting benzodiazepines.
C. Varenicline is a medication used for smoking cessation. It works by partially activating nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the pleasurable effects of smoking and decreasing withdrawal symptoms. It is not indicated for alcohol detoxification and would not be used in this context.
D. Rimonabant is a cannabinoid receptor antagonist that was once used for weight loss but has been withdrawn from the market due to psychiatric side effects, including depression and anxiety. It is not indicated for alcohol detoxification and would not be administered in this context.
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