An 84-year-old patient has just returned from the post-anesthetic care unit after undergoing hip arthroplasty. The patient is only oriented to their name.
The patient’s family is distressed because the patient had no cognitive deficits before surgery.The patient is later diagnosed with postoperative delirium. What should the nurse communicate to the patient’s family?

This type of delirium is treatable and the patient’s cognition will return to its previous levels.

This issue can be resolved by administering antidotes to the anesthetic used in surgery.

Delirium involves a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function.

This problem is self-limiting and there is nothing to worry about.

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is A

Choice A rationale
Postoperative delirium is a common condition that can occur in older patients after surgery, especially major procedures like hip arthroplasty. It is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and altered consciousness. This type of delirium is indeed treatable and most patients’ cognition will return to its previous levels. The treatment often involves addressing the underlying causes, such as pain, medication effects, or metabolic imbalances, and providing supportive care. It’s important for the family to understand that this is a temporary condition and does not indicate a permanent change in their loved one’s mental status.
Choice B rationale
While anesthetics can contribute to postoperative delirium, the condition is usually multifactorial and not solely due to the anesthetic used in surgery. Therefore, administering antidotes to the anesthetic is not typically how postoperative delirium is managed. Instead, the focus is on treating the underlying causes and providing supportive care.
Choice C rationale

Delirium does involve a disturbance in cognition, including memory impairment, but it does not involve a progressive decline in memory loss and overall cognitive function. That description is more characteristic of dementia, a different condition. Delirium is typically a temporary condition that improves once the underlying cause is addressed.
Choice D rationale
While postoperative delirium is often self-limiting, meaning it resolves on its own over time, it is not accurate to say there is nothing to worry about. Postoperative delirium can be distressing for the patient and their family, and in some cases, it can be associated with longer hospital stays and increased morbidity. Therefore, it is a condition that should be taken seriously and managed appropriately.

Nursing Test Bank

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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

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Correct Answer is B

Explanation

Choice A rationale

Antiviral therapy is typically used to treat viral infections. However, meningitis is most commonly caused by bacteria. Therefore, antiviral therapy would not be the most effective treatment in this case.
Choice B rationale
Antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for bacterial meningitis. The specific antibiotic or combination of antibiotics used depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
Therefore, after reviewing lab results that suggest meningitis, the nurse would anticipate the provider to prescribe antibiotic therapy.
Choice C rationale
Antiemetics are medications that help prevent and treat nausea and vomiting, which can be symptoms of meningitis, but they do not treat the underlying cause of meningitis.
Choice D rationale
Analgesics are used to relieve pain. While they might be used to manage the headache often associated with meningitis, they would not treat the infection itself.

A. Encourage participation in multiple-step activities B. Promote hobbies involving fine motor skills C. Limit visitors to one or two at a time D. Promote frequent lengthy visits from friends . .

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

Choice A rationale
While participation in multiple-step activities can provide mental stimulation, it may be challenging for a patient with Alzheimer’s disease. These activities often require a level of cognitive functioning that may be impaired in Alzheimer’s patients. As a result, these activities could lead to frustration and agitation rather than fostering socialization.
Choice B rationale
Hobbies involving fine motor skills can be beneficial for maintaining dexterity and coordination. However, as Alzheimer’s disease progresses, these skills often decline. Therefore, while these hobbies may be enjoyable, they may not necessarily foster socialization.
Choice C rationale
Limiting visitors to one or two at a time can help to prevent overstimulation, which can be distressing for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. Smaller, more intimate gatherings can also foster more meaningful social interactions. Therefore, this approach can be beneficial for promoting socialization.
Choice D rationale
While social interaction is important for people with Alzheimer’s disease, frequent lengthy visits from friends may be overwhelming and lead to fatigue. It’s important to balance socialization with rest and relaxation. Therefore, promoting frequent lengthy visits may not be the best approach to foster socialization.

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Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

The nurse is caring for a client who is suspected of meningitis. After reviewing lab results, the nurse will anticipate that the provider will prescribe which medications to treat the meningitis?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A nurse is working with the family of a patient diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease to develop an appropriate plan of care. Which of the following would the nurse suggest to foster socialization?

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

The nurse is providing care for a comatose patient and regularly assessing for potential complications. What complications should the nurse be looking for?

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