A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who was admitted with heart failure. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider as an indication of delirium?

Demonstrates obsessive behaviors

Fluctuating level of orientation

Family report of gradual memory loss

Consistent state of depression

Answer and Explanation

The Correct Answer is B

A.   Obsessive behaviors, such as repetitive actions or fixations on specific thoughts or tasks, can be indicative of delirium. Delirium often manifests with altered behavior patterns that are unusual for the individual, including obsessive or compulsive-like behaviors that are not typical of their baseline mental status. However, this is not specific to delirium.
B.   Fluctuating orientation, where the client is sometimes alert and oriented and at other times confused or disoriented, is a hallmark of delirium. Unlike dementia, which typically presents with a more steady decline in cognitive function, delirium is characterized by rapid changes in mental status over hours to days. This fluctuation is important to note as it strongly suggests delirium rather than other chronic cognitive impairments.
C.   Gradual memory loss reported by family members is more suggestive of chronic conditions such as dementia rather than delirium. Delirium, in contrast, is characterized by acute onset and fluctuating course rather than a gradual decline in cognitive abilities over time.
D.   Depression can coexist with delirium, but a consistent state of depression without acute changes in mental status is less indicative of delirium. Delirium is characterized by rapid changes in cognition and behavior rather than a persistent mood disorder. Therefore, while depression should be assessed and managed appropriately, it is not typically a sign of delirium unless there are acute changes in mental status accompanying it.

Nursing Test Bank

Test Bank #1: RN Pharmacology Exams Test Bank #2: RN Medical-Surgical Exams Test Bank #3: RN Fundamentals Exams Test Bank #4: RN Maternal-Newborn Exams Test Bank #5: RN Anatomy and Physiology Exams Test Bank #6: RN Obstetrics and Pediatrics Exams Test Bank #7: RN Fluid and Electrolytes Exams Test Bank #9: RN Adult Health Test Bank #10: RN Dosage Calculation Test Bank #11: RN Community Health Exams Test Bank #12: RN Psychology Exams Test Bank #13: RN Nursing Care Of Children Test Bank #14: RN Foundations of Nursing Exams

Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Exam #1: RN Comprehensive predictor 2023 proctored exam Exam #2: Ati rn vati comprehensive predictor proctored exam Exam #3: Ati Rn Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam 2023 Exam #4: Rn Comprehensive Predictor 2023 Proctored Exam - St. Joseph Exam #5: RN Comprehensive Predictor Proctored Exam (National U CA San Diego) Exam #6: Ati rn comprehensive predictor 2023 retake proctored exam Exam #7: RN Hesi Exit Proctored Exam Exam #8: Hesi RN Exit proctored exam Exam #9: Hesi rn exit proctored exam Exam #10: Hesi Rn compass exit B proctored exam

Free Nursing Study Resources

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. It is not effective to repeatedly ask orientation questions to a client with dementia. Dementia causes progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, and the client may not be able to provide the correct response even with repeated questioning. This approach can lead to frustration and agitation for the client.
B. Introducing oneself at each interaction is a good practice because individuals with dementia may have difficulty remembering people or recognizing familiar faces. It helps establish rapport and reduces confusion or anxiety that may arise from not recognizing caregivers or staff.
C. Providing choices can help empower the client and maintain some level of independence in decision- making. However, it's important to keep the choices limited and clear, as too many options can overwhelm and confuse a person with dementia. Additionally, offering familiar and preferred foods can enhance the client's comfort and enjoyment of meals.
D. Providing a dark environment for sleeping may not be appropriate for all clients with dementia. Some individuals may become disoriented or agitated in complete darkness. It's generally recommended to provide a quiet and calm environment with subdued lighting during nighttime hours to support restful sleep.

A. Verbally de-escalate the client. B. Obtain a prescription for haloperidol. C. Place the client in restraints. D. Take the client to the seclusion room.

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A. Verbal de-escalation involves using calm, non-confrontational communication techniques to help calm the client. This can include speaking softly, using non-threatening body language, and actively listening to the client's concerns. It is the first-line intervention for managing escalating behavior because it aims to reduce agitation without the use of physical or chemical restraints.
B. Haloperidol is an antipsychotic medication that may be prescribed for acute agitation and aggression in some situations. However, obtaining a prescription requires provider authorization and should not be the first intervention unless the client's agitation poses an immediate threat to safety and verbal de- escalation has been ineffective. It is typically used when other interventions have not successfully managed agitation.

C. Physical restraints should only be used as a last resort and in accordance with institutional policies and legal guidelines. Restraints are intended to prevent harm to the client or others when all other methods of de-escalation have failed and there is an imminent risk of harm. Placing a client in restraints without attempting verbal de-escalation first can escalate the situation further.
D. Seclusion is also a restrictive intervention that should be used judiciously and only when necessary to protect the client or others from harm. It involves placing the client in a designated, secure area where they can be monitored closely. Similar to physical restraints, seclusion should be considered only after attempts at verbal de-escalation have been unsuccessful and there is a clear risk of harm.

View Question and Answer

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

A nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who was admitted with heart failure. The nurse should report which of the following findings to the provider as an indication of delirium?

Nursing Test Bank

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has dementia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A client is becoming increasingly agitated, anxious, and tense. The nurse notes a clenched jaw and a change in the pitch of the client's voice. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first?

Correct Answer is A

Explanation

A nurse is collecting data from a client who has anorexia nervosa. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse in a substance use disorder clinic is explaining the alcohol recovery process to a client's family. Which of the following should the nurse identify as the first step toward successful recovery from alcohol use disorder?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving treatment for alcohol detoxification. Which of the following medications should the nurse expect to administer during this phase of the client's care?

A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving acute care for the treatment of a substance use disorder. With which of the following actions is the nurse demonstrating the ethical principle of veracity?

A nurse is contributing to the plan of care for a client who is to start therapy with fluoxetine. Which of the following is an expected outcome for this client?

A nurse is collecting data for a health history from a client who has antisocial personality disorder. Which of the following clinical findings is associated with this disorder?

A nurse is collecting data from a client who is taking lithium. Which of the following findings should the nurse identify as early manifestations of lithium toxicity? (Select all that apply.)

A nurse is assisting with teaching a group of older adult clients about behavioral expectations. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to help eliminate barriers to learning?