A nurse is collecting data from a client who reports feeling stress. Which of the following should the nurse identify as an external stressor?

A) Social withdrawal: While social withdrawal can be a sign of depression or a worsening cognitive decline in clients with Alzheimer's disease, it does not immediately threaten the client's safety. It is important to monitor and address, but it is not the priority concern that requires immediate intervention.

B) Wandering outside at night: This is the priority issue and requires immediate intervention. Wandering, especially at night, poses a significant safety risk to clients with Alzheimer's disease. The client may become lost, disoriented, or fall, leading to injury. Immediate steps should be taken to ensure the environment is safe, such as installing locks or alarms on doors, and potentially seeking further evaluation or care interventions to manage this behavior.

C) Difficulty articulating words: Difficulty with speech or articulation can occur as part of Alzheimer's disease, especially in the later stages. While it can be distressing for the client and family, it does not present an immediate threat to the client's safety. This issue should be addressed as part of the overall care plan, but it is not as urgent as wandering.

D) Inability to remember their partner's name: Memory loss, including difficulty remembering names, is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. While it can be emotionally difficult for both the client and their family, it does not pose an immediate risk to the client’s safety or well-being. This symptom should be monitored, but it is not the top priority for immediate intervention.

A) "Individuals who have this disorder have a flat affect.": A flat affect, which refers to a lack of emotional expression, is more characteristic of conditions like depression or schizophrenia rather than delirium. Delirium typically involves fluctuating levels of consciousness, confusion, and altered attention, but a flat affect is not a defining feature.

B) "This disorder is characterized by a sudden onset of mental confusion.": This statement is correct. Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms, including confusion, disorientation, and changes in cognition. The acute nature of delirium distinguishes it from other conditions like dementia, which develops gradually over time.

C) "Individuals who have this disorder speak at a slow pace.": While some individuals with delirium may speak slowly due to confusion or disorientation, this is not a defining characteristic of the disorder. Delirium can cause a variety of speech patterns, including rambling, incoherence, or even rapid speech depending on the individual’s cognitive state.

D) "This disorder is not reversible.": This statement is incorrect. Delirium is typically reversible if the underlying cause (such as infection, dehydration, or medication side effects) is identified and treated. Unlike progressive disorders like dementia, delirium can often be resolved with appropriate medical intervention.