A nurse is caring for an elderly client diagnosed with a urinary tract infection (UTI). The family reports an abrupt onset of altered mental status, disorientation, and intermittent hallucinations. The nurse would identify these signs to be consistent with which sensory alteration?
Sleep deprivation
Normal signs of aging
Dementia
Delirium
The Correct Answer is D
Choice A Reason:
Sleep deprivation is incorrect. While sleep deprivation can cause confusion and disorientation, it is less likely to cause abrupt onset of altered mental status and hallucinations. Sleep deprivation typically results in gradual cognitive decline and fatigue rather than sudden changes.
Choice B Reason:
Normal signs of aging is incorrect. Normal aging can involve some cognitive decline, but it does not typically cause sudden and severe symptoms like hallucinations and significant disorientation. These symptoms are more indicative of an acute condition.
Choice C Reason:
Dementia is incorrect. Dementia involves a gradual decline in cognitive function over time and does not typically present with sudden onset of symptoms. While dementia can include hallucinations and disorientation, these symptoms usually develop progressively.
Choice D Reason:
Delirium is correct. Delirium is characterized by a sudden onset of confusion, disorientation, and changes in mental status. It is often triggered by acute medical conditions such as infections, including UTIs. Elderly patients are particularly susceptible to delirium, which can include symptoms like hallucinations and severe confusion.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is ["A"]
Explanation
Choice A reason: Pee privacy
Ensuring privacy for a patient, especially one who is pregnant, is crucial. Privacy helps maintain the patient’s dignity and comfort during medical procedures. It also fosters a trusting relationship between the patient and the healthcare provider. In this context, “Pee privacy” likely refers to ensuring the patient has privacy when providing a urine sample, which is a common procedure during pregnancy check-ups to monitor for conditions like gestational diabetes or preeclampsia.
Choice B reason: Otoscope
An otoscope is a medical device used to look into the ears. While it is an essential tool in many medical examinations, it is not specifically related to the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about ear health. Therefore, this choice is less relevant in the context of routine pregnancy care.
Choice C reason: Tannic acid
Tannic acid is a substance that can be used for various medical purposes, including treating burns and stopping bleeding. However, it is not typically associated with routine pregnancy care. Its inclusion in this list seems out of place unless there is a specific, unusual medical condition being addressed.
Choice D reason: Pupil dilation
Pupil dilation is a procedure often performed during eye examinations to allow a better view of the retina and other structures inside the eye. While important in ophthalmology, it is not a standard procedure in the care of a pregnant patient unless there is a specific concern about the patient’s vision or eye health.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: Reminding the client that a signed informed consent form is a legally binding document is incorrect. Informed consent is based on the principle of patient autonomy, meaning the patient has the right to withdraw consent at any time. The nurse should respect the client’s decision and not pressure them into proceeding with the procedure.
Choice B reason: Notifying the surgeon that the client wishes to withdraw informed consent for the procedure is the appropriate action. The surgeon needs to be informed immediately so that they can discuss the client’s concerns, provide additional information if needed, and respect the client’s decision. This ensures that the client’s autonomy and rights are upheld.
Choice C reason: Proceeding with preparation of the patient for the surgical procedure is not appropriate once the client has withdrawn consent. Continuing with the preparation would violate the client’s rights and could lead to legal and ethical issues. The nurse must halt any further preparation and inform the relevant medical staff of the client’s decision.
Choice D reason: Informing the surgical team to cancel the client’s surgery is a step that may be taken after discussing the withdrawal of consent with the surgeon. The nurse should first notify the surgeon, who will then make the decision to cancel the surgery based on the client’s wishes. Directly informing the surgical team without consulting the surgeon first is not the correct protocol.
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