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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
A. Increase your fluid and fiber intake to prevent constipation – Risperidone, an atypical antipsychotic, can cause constipation due to its anticholinergic effects. Increasing fluid and fiber intake can help prevent this.
B. Have your blood pressure checked frequently for hypertension – Risperidone is more commonly associated with orthostatic hypotension, not hypertension.
C. Expect to have your blood checked weekly for serum electrolyte imbalances – Unlike clozapine, risperidone does not require frequent blood monitoring for electrolyte imbalances.
D. Increase caloric intake to prevent weight loss – Risperidone is more likely to cause weight gain rather than weight loss, so increasing caloric intake is unnecessary.
Correct Answer is ["A","B","C"]
Explanation
A. Brain atrophy is a common physiological change in the brain of individuals with Alzheimer's disease.
B. An overabundance of plaques, specifically amyloid beta, is a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease.
C. An overabundance of tangles, specifically tau protein, is also a characteristic feature of Alzheimer's disease.
D. Enlargement of the hippocampus is not typically associated with Alzheimer's disease; rather, it tends to shrink.
E. Enlarged cerebral cortex is not a typical physiological change in Alzheimer's disease; it actually tends to shrink.
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