A nurse is assessing a client who has delirium. Which of the following manifestations should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)
Agitation
Slow, flat speech
Visual hallucinations
Confusion
Rapid mood swings
Correct Answer : A,C,D,E
Choice A rationale:
Agitation is a common manifestation of delirium, as the client experiences a disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition. The client may become restless, irritable, or aggressive due to the altered mental state.
Choice B rationale:
Slow, flat speech is not a manifestation of delirium, but rather a sign of depression or dementia. Clients with delirium may have rapid, incoherent, or slurred speech, depending on the cause and severity of the condition.
Choice C rationale:
Visual hallucinations are another manifestation of delirium, as the client may perceive things that are not there or misinterpret sensory stimuli. The client may also have auditory or tactile hallucinations, which can contribute to the agitation and confusion.
Choice D rationale:
Confusion is a hallmark manifestation of delirium, as the client has difficulty with orientation, memory, and reasoning. The client may not recognize familiar people or places, or may have fluctuating levels of consciousness. The confusion may worsen at night or in low-light settings, which is known as sundowning syndrome.
Choice E rationale:
Rapid mood swings are also a manifestation of delirium, as the client may exhibit emotional lability, anxiety, depression, fear, or anger. The mood changes may be unpredictable and inappropriate to the situation.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Magical thinking is a positive symptom of schizophrenia, involving unrealistic beliefs or perceptions.
Choice B rationale:
A flat affect is a negative symptom of schizophrenia characterized by reduced emotional expression. Negative symptoms involve a decrease or loss of normal functioning, and a flat affect is one of the most common negative symptoms seen in schizophrenia.
Choice C rationale:
Ideas of reference are also a positive symptom, involving the belief that neutral or unrelated events have special significance related to oneself.
Choice D rationale:
Clang association is another positive symptom, involving the association of words based on similar sounds rather than meaningful connections
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A rationale:
Establishing a therapeutic relationship is important, but the immediate priority is to ensure the safety of the client by maintaining constant observation.
Choice B rationale:
Instructing the client on stress management techniques is important, but safety comes first.
Choice C rationale:
Having the client sign a no-suicide contract may provide some reassurance, but it is not a substitute for constant observation.
Choice D rationale:
Maintaining constant observation of the client is the priority to prevent any further self-harm or suicide attempts.
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