An 80 year-old client, together with his daughter, arrived at the medical surgical unit for diagnostic confirmation and management of probable delirium. Which statement by the client's daughter best supports the diagnosis?
"Maybe it's just caused by aging. This usually happens at his age."
"The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn't sure what was happening."
"Dad just didn't seem to know what he was doing. He has been forgetful for years."
"Dad has always been so independent. He's lived alone for years since Mom died."
The Correct Answer is B
A) Incorrect. While aging can contribute to cognitive changes, it is not the primary factor in the acute onset of delirium.
B) Correct. This statement highlights the acute and rapid onset of behavioral changes, which is characteristic of delirium. Delirium is an acute confessional state characterized by alterations in cognition, attention, and level of consciousness. It often has a sudden onset.
C) Incorrect. Chronic forgetfulness may be indicative of dementia or other cognitive disorders, but it does not support the acute onset seen in delirium.
D) Incorrect. Independence and living alone do not directly relate to the acute onset of delirium.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. While understanding precipitating factors is important, it is not the immediate priority when the client is actively experiencing hallucinations.
B. Distracting the client may not address the underlying cause of the hallucinations, which should be the priority.
C. Determining the content of the hallucinations can provide important information for assessment and intervention.
D. Dismissing the client's experience can be alienating and unhelpful.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Incorrect. Delusions of reference involve a belief that everyday events, objects, or other people have a particular and unusual significance. This is not described in the scenario.
B) Incorrect. Tangentiality is a thought disorder where the individual goes off on tangents and never returns to the original point or idea. This is not described in the scenario.
C) Incorrect. Neologism refers to the creation of new words or phrases that have meaning only to the person using them. This is not described in the scenario.
D) Correct. Loose associations are characterized by a disruption in the logical progression of thought, where thoughts become disorganized and may seem unrelated or loosely connected.
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