A nurse is caring for a client who is experiencing delirium. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?
Catatonia
Echopraxia
Agraphia
Illusions
The Correct Answer is D
A. Catatonia. Catatonia involves significant motor disturbances such as rigidity, mutism, or excessive movement, commonly seen in schizophrenia or severe mood disorders. Delirium is characterized by acute confusion, fluctuating attention, and perceptual disturbances rather than motor abnormalities.
B. Echopraxia. Echopraxia is the involuntary repetition of another person’s movements, often linked to schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorders. Delirium primarily presents with disorientation, altered consciousness, and hallucinations rather than repetitive motor behaviors.
C. Agraphia. Agraphia is the loss of the ability to write due to neurological conditions like stroke or dementia. Delirium is an acute and reversible cognitive disturbance that affects attention and perception but does not typically result in isolated language deficits.
D. Illusions. Illusions involve the misinterpretation of real stimuli, such as mistaking a cord for a snake, and are common in delirium. This occurs due to the client's fluctuating mental status, impaired sensory perception, and difficulty distinguishing reality from distorted perceptions.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Acute onset of confusion. Dementia is a progressive, chronic condition that develops gradually over time. An acute onset of confusion is more characteristic of delirium, which is a sudden, reversible condition often caused by infections, metabolic imbalances, or medications.
B. Illusions. While individuals with dementia may experience visual misperceptions, true illusions—misinterpretations of real external stimuli—are more commonly associated with delirium or psychiatric disorders. Dementia more often leads to problems with recognition (agnosia) rather than distorted perception.
C. Memory loss that disrupts ADLs. Dementia is characterized by progressive cognitive decline, including memory impairment severe enough to interfere with daily activities such as managing finances, preparing meals, or personal hygiene. As the disease progresses, individuals may struggle with problem-solving, language, and recognizing familiar people or places.
D. Catatonia. Catatonia is a state of motor dysfunction, often seen in severe psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. While individuals with advanced dementia may become withdrawn or exhibit reduced movement, true catatonia, which involves stupor or repetitive movements, is not a hallmark of dementia.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Medical health insurance claims. While insurance coverage is important for referral approval, the physical therapist primarily requires clinical information related to the client's mobility and functional status. Insurance details are handled by administrative staff rather than included in the clinical referral.
B. Physical assessment findings. The physical therapist needs relevant assessment findings, such as muscle strength, range of motion, balance, gait, and mobility limitations. These details help guide therapy goals and interventions to improve the client’s functional abilities.
C. Family medical history. While family history is useful for identifying genetic predispositions to conditions, it is not essential for a physical therapy referral. The focus should be on the client’s current physical status rather than hereditary factors.
D. Medications taken prior to admission. Although a client’s medication history is important for overall care, it is not the primary concern for a physical therapy referral unless specific medications affect mobility, such as muscle relaxants or sedatives. The therapist will rely more on current physical assessment findings to determine appropriate interventions.
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
Report Wrong Answer on the Current Question
Do you disagree with the answer? If yes, what is your expected answer? Explain.
Kindly be descriptive with the issue you are facing.
