A male client is admitted to the unit with a possible diagnosis of delirium. Which statement by the client's wife best supports the diagnosis?
"This is supposed to happen when you get old, right?”
"Since his mother died, he has not been feeling well.”
"My husband just didn't seem to know what he was doing. He has been forgetful for years.”
"The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn't sure what was happening.”
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A rationale:
"This is supposed to happen when you get old, right?" is a common misconception but doesn't necessarily support the diagnosis of delirium. It could be attributed to normal aging changes.
Choice B rationale:
"Since his mother died, he has not been feeling well." indicates a potential stressor but doesn't directly address the rapid onset of behavioral changes, which is a hallmark of delirium.
Choice C rationale:
"My husband just didn't seem to know what he was doing. He has been forgetful for years." suggests a history of forgetfulness rather than an acute change in behavior, which is more indicative of chronic cognitive issues like dementia.
Choice D rationale:
(Correct) "The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn't sure what was happening." This statement supports the diagnosis of delirium, which is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion and changes in cognitive function. Delirium often develops rapidly, and the client's wife's observation aligns with this diagnostic criterion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
The correct answer is choice C.
Choice A rationale:
Planning a therapeutic diet is important for overall client care, but it might not be the first priority. The client's significant weight loss and distorted body image require more immediate attention to address potential underlying mental health concerns..
Choice B rationale:
Providing a structured environment is beneficial, but it might not be the first priority in this situation. The client's distorted perception of weight and significant weight loss necessitate more immediate assessment and intervention.
Choice C rationale:
Assessing the client's nutritional status is the first priority in this scenario. The client's weight loss of 11 kg (25 lb) over 3 months and belief that she is fat are indicators of a possible eating disorder. Nutritional assessment helps determine the severity of the issue and guides appropriate interventions.
Choice D rationale:
While requesting a mental health consult is important, it is not the first priority. Addressing the client's immediate physical health, which includes assessing her nutritional status and potential risk for complications related to her distorted body image, takes precedence.
Correct Answer is A
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Ideas of reference involve the belief that external events, objects, or people have a specific and unusual significance directly related to oneself. In this scenario, the client with schizophrenia believes that the group's laughter is directed at them, indicating an exaggerated sense of personal relevance in the situation.
Choice B rationale:
Erotomania is characterized by the delusional belief that someone, usually of higher social status, is in love with the individual. This choice is not applicable to the situation described, where the client's reaction is centered around perceived mockery rather than romantic interest.
Choice C rationale:
Grandeur involves inflated feelings of importance, power, knowledge, or identity. It does not align with the situation where the client perceives ridicule and responds defensively to the group's laughter.
Choice D rationale:
Flight of ideas is a thought disorder characterized by rapid and unconnected shifts in thoughts, often associated with mania. It is not relevant to the client's reaction to the group's laughter.
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