Which nursing observation of the patient in intensive care indicates the patient is sleeping comfortably during NREM sleep?

Choice A reason: Asking the family about normal behavior provides subjective context but lacks standardized cognitive assessment. Cognitive function requires objective tools like the MMSE to evaluate memory, orientation, and attention. Relying solely on family input risks missing subtle deficits, delaying diagnosis of conditions like dementia or delirium critical for patient management.

Choice B reason: Asking for name, location, and month tests orientation, a component of cognitive assessment, but is too limited. The MMSE offers a comprehensive evaluation of memory, language, and visuospatial skills. This narrow approach risks overlooking broader cognitive impairments, potentially missing early dementia or other neurological conditions requiring targeted interventions.

Choice C reason: The HHIE-S assesses hearing impairment, not cognitive function. Hearing loss may affect communication but isn’t a direct cognitive measure. Using this tool for cognition misdirects assessment, risking failure to identify cognitive deficits like memory loss, delaying diagnosis and management of conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease or acute confusional states.

Choice D reason: Administering the MMSE is a standardized, comprehensive tool to assess cognitive function, evaluating orientation, memory, attention, language, and visuospatial skills. It detects impairments in conditions like dementia or delirium, guiding diagnosis and treatment. Its structured approach ensures reliable identification of cognitive deficits, critical for planning care and interventions in clinical settings.

Choice A reason: Non-Hispanic Blacks are projected to grow, but their growth rate is slower than Hispanics due to lower birth rates and immigration patterns. By 2060, they will remain a significant group, but demographic data indicate they will not outpace Hispanics, making this incorrect for the fastest-growing ethnic group.

Choice B reason: Multiracial individuals are increasing due to intermarriage, but their growth rate is lower than Hispanics. Projections show they will form a smaller population share by 2060 compared to Hispanics, driven by high birth rates and immigration. This choice is incorrect, as it underestimates Hispanic growth trends.

Choice C reason: Asians are a fast-growing group due to immigration, but their growth rate is surpassed by Hispanics, who benefit from both immigration and higher fertility rates. By 2060, Asians will increase significantly, but demographic forecasts confirm Hispanics as the fastest-growing group, making this choice incorrect.

Choice D reason: Hispanics are projected to be the fastest-growing racial/ethnic group by 2060, driven by high birth rates, immigration, and a younger population. Census projections estimate they will account for nearly 30% of the US population, surpassing other groups in growth rate due to demographic trends, making this the correct choice.