A nurse suspects the client is experiencing delirium. Which follow the following assessment findings would support the nurses suspicion?
decreased level of consciousness with intermittent periods of hypervigilance.
A slow onset of confusion and agitation.
A decrease in the client's output and vital signs.
The symptoms have lasted longer than a month.
The Correct Answer is A
A. Decreased level of consciousness with intermittent periods of hypervigilance is a classic characteristic of delirium. Delirium is an acute and fluctuating change in mental status, and it often involves a decreased level of consciousness along with periods of hyperactivity or hypervigilance. These fluctuations in consciousness are a key feature of delirium.
B. A slow onset of confusion and agitation is more characteristic of other cognitive disorders like dementia rather than delirium. Delirium typically has a sudden onset.
C. A decrease in the client's output and vital signs is not a specific sign of delirium. Delirium is primarily related to changes in cognitive function rather than direct effects on vital signs.
D. The symptoms lasting longer than a month is not indicative of delirium. Delirium is characterized by its acute and fluctuating nature, typically occurring over hours to days rather than lasting for extended periods.
In summary, the fluctuating level of consciousness with intermittent periods of hypervigilance is a key feature of delirium, which distinguishes it from other cognitive disorders, making option A the most appropriate choice to support the nurse's suspicion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Confusion
After receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), it is common for clients to experience confusion as an immediate side effect. ECT involves the induction of a controlled seizure in order to treat certain mental health conditions, such as severe depression. This procedure can result in transient cognitive side effects, including confusion, disorientation, and memory loss that usually improve within a short time after the procedure.
B. Long-term memory impairment - ECT may lead to some short-term memory issues, but long-term memory impairment is not a typical immediate side effect.
C. Full of energy - Clients are often sedated and may experience fatigue after ECT, so feeling "full of energy" is not a common immediate side effect.
D. Numbness and tingling in the extremities - Numbness and tingling in the extremities are not typical side effects of ECT; the primary side effects are related to cognitive function and potential post-procedure soreness or headache.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. As depression lifts, physical energy becomes available to carry out suicide.
Depressed individuals who begin to experience improvement in their mood as a result of antidepressant therapy may paradoxically become more at risk for suicide. This is because as their depressive symptoms lift, they may gain the physical and emotional energy needed to carry out suicidal thoughts or plans. It is essential for healthcare providers to closely monitor these individuals during the early stages of treatment when this risk is highest. This rationale highlights the importance of vigilance and monitoring to ensure the client's safety.
B. Suicide may be precipitated by a variety of internal and external events, which is a general statement about the triggers of suicidal thoughts or actions.
C. Suicidal clients have difficulty using social supports, which emphasizes the need for supportive interventions but does not specifically address the increased risk during antidepressant therapy.
D. Suicide is an impulsive act that has no warning, which is not entirely accurate. Many individuals who experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors do give warning signs or signals that can be recognized and addressed by healthcare providers and others in their support network.
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