An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. "The family asks whether the patient will recover?" What would be the nurses' best answer?

"Unfortunately, delirium is a progressively disabling disorder."

"The confusion will probably get better as we treat the infection.

The health care provider is the best person to answer your question."

"I will be glad to contact the chaplain to talk with you."

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A. Delirium is usually acute and reversible, especially when caused by an underlying condition like a UTI.

B. Delirium in elderly patients is often secondary to an acute illness such as a urinary tract infection. Treatment of the underlying cause typically resolves the confusion, so this statement provides accurate and reassuring information to the family.

C. While the provider can give a formal prognosis, the nurse can provide evidence-based, general information about delirium recovery.

D. While supportive, this does not address the family’s question about recovery.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A. "I hate all of you!" –This reflects the patient’s anger and hostility, which is expected after being restrained. While it requires therapeutic communication, it does not signal a medical emergency.

B. "The other patient started the fight." – This statement is defensive and attempts to shift blame. Although it provides insight into the patient’s thought process, it is not urgent from a physiological standpoint.

C. "You wait until I tell my lawyer." – This reflects frustration and a threat of legal action. It is important for documentation and de-escalation but does not require immediate clinical intervention.

D. "My fingers are tingly." – This is the highest priority because it indicates impaired circulation or nerve compression related to the restraints. Tingling, numbness, coolness, or pallor are warning signs that restraints are too tight or causing neurovascular compromise. This can lead to permanent injury if not corrected promptly.

A. drink twice the usual dally amount of fluid. B. double the lithium dose if diarrhea or vomiting occurs. C. maintain normal salt and fluids in the diet. D. avoid eating aged cheese, processed meats, and red wine.

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A. Patients do not need to double fluid intake, just maintain adequate hydration (2–3 L/day). Drinking twice the usual amount could lead to fluid overload or dilute sodium balance.

B. Lithium should never be doubled. In fact, vomiting and diarrhea increase risk of lithium toxicity, so the provider must be notified instead.

C. Lithium excretion is closely tied to sodium and fluid balance. A stable diet with normal salt and adequate fluid intake helps prevent fluctuations in lithium levels and reduces risk of toxicity.

D. Avoiding aged cheese, processed meats, and red wine is teaching for MAOI therapy (to prevent hypertensive crisis due to tyramine), not for lithium.

View Question and Answer

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. "The family asks whether the patient will recover?" What would be the nurses' best answer?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

An adult patient assaulted another patient and was then restrained. One hour later, which statement by the restrained patient requires the nurse's immediate attention?

Correct Answer is D

Explanation

A health teaching plan for a patient taking lithium should include instructions to

Correct Answer is C

Explanation

A bystander was killed during a robbery 2 weeks ago. His widow, who is diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, cries spontaneously when talking about his death. Select the nurse's most therapeutic response.

A patient diagnosed with bipolar disorder is dressed in a purple leopard and bright floral scarves. The patient twirls and shadow boxes. The patient says gaily. "Do you like my scarves? Here they are my gift to you." How should the nurse document the patient's mood?

A nurse is caring for a client who has bipolar disorder and a new prescription for valproate. Which of the following instructions should the nurse give the client al t about the use of this medication?

A patient diagnosed with schizophrenia has received fluphenazine decanoate twice a month for 3 years. The clinic nurse's notes that the patient grimaces and is constantly smacking his lips. The patient's neck and shoulders twist in a slow, snakelike motion. Which problem would the nurse suspect?

A patient in alcohol rehabilitation reveals to the nurse. "I feel terrible guilt for sexually abusing my 6-year-old before I was admitted." Select the nurse's most important action.

A nurse in the emergency department is caring for a client who reports chest pain, headache, and shortness of breath. He continues to state. "I don't know why my wife left me." The client receives a diagnosis of anxiety. The nurse realizes the client's findings support which level of anxiety?

A patient undergoing diagnostic tests says. "Nothing is wrong with me except a stubborn chest cold." The spouse reports the patient smokes, coughs daily. lost 15 pounds and is easily fatigued. Which defense mechanism is the patient using?

What is the nurse's priority focused assessment for side effects in a child taking methylphenidate (Ritalin) for ADHD?