A nurse is reviewing the laboratory report of a client who has a panic disorder and is taking clonazepam.
Which of the following laboratory results should the nurse report to the provider?

Choice A rationale:

Having a flat affect is not a specific indicator of delirium. A flat affect may be seen in various mental health conditions and is not unique to delirium. Delirium is characterized by acute changes in cognitive function and awareness, and a flat affect alone does not fulfill the criteria for diagnosing delirium.

Choice B rationale:

The client's speech being slow and repetitious is not a specific finding that leads to a suspicion of delirium. While changes in speech can be observed in delirium, this finding alone is not sufficient to diagnose delirium. Delirium is more about changes in consciousness, attention, and cognition.

Choice D rationale:

The client's inability to recognize objects is not a specific indicator of delirium. Delirium is characterized by a fluctuating level of consciousness and changes in cognitive function. Inability to recognize objects might be a symptom of other conditions, but it is not a hallmark sign of delirium.

Choice C rationale:

The client's manifestations developing suddenly is a key indicator of delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute and rapid onset of cognitive and perceptual disturbances. It is often caused by an underlying medical condition or medication side effects and is typically reversible. The sudden development of symptoms is a significant clue in suspecting delirium and should prompt further evaluation and intervention. .

The correct answer is D. Hyperthermia.

Choice A reason: Hyperglycemia, which is an elevated blood glucose level, is not typically a direct manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Alcohol withdrawal can sometimes lead to poor oral intake or vomiting, which might indirectly affect blood sugar levels, but hyperglycemia itself is not a primary concern in the context of alcohol withdrawal.

Choice B reason: Decreased blood pressure During alcohol withdrawal, the sympathetic nervous system is often overactive, leading to symptoms such as increased blood pressure, rather than decreased. Therefore, decreased blood pressure is not a common manifestation of alcohol withdrawal. Normal blood pressure ranges for adults are systolic BP of 100-120mmHg and diastolic BP of 70-80mmHg.

Choice C reason: Decreased heart rate Similar to blood pressure, the heart rate typically increases during alcohol withdrawal due to sympathetic nervous system overactivity. A normal resting heart rate for adults ranges from 60 to 100 beats per minute (bpm). Decreased heart rate is not expected during alcohol withdrawal.

Choice D reason: Hyperthermia, or elevated body temperature, is a common symptom of alcohol withdrawal. This occurs as part of the body’s response to the sudden absence of alcohol, and can be a part of the withdrawal syndrome, which includes a range of symptoms from mild anxiety to severe complications like seizures. Normal body temperature ranges from 97°F (36.1°C) to 99°F (37.2°C).