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
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
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. Keeping staff interactions to a minimum may not be beneficial as the client might require regular monitoring and interaction to assess their condition and needs.
B. When a client is restrained, it's crucial to prevent complications such as muscle stiffness and joint contractures. Range-of-motion exercises help maintain circulation, prevent discomfort, and preserve joint mobility. However, this is not the most important action.
C. Restraints should only be used when absolutely necessary and prescribed by a provider. In many jurisdictions and healthcare facilities, the use of restraints requires a specific order that must be renewed periodically (often every 24 hours). This practice ensures that the need for restraints is continually reassessed and that they are not used longer than necessary.
D. Accurate and frequent documentation is essential when a client is restrained. Documentation should include the client's behavior, physical assessments, interventions provided (such as medication administration or hygiene care), and responses to interventions. However, this is not the most important action.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Thought-stopping is a cognitive behavioral technique used to interrupt and replace negative or distressing thoughts. However, it is not directly related to reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy focuses on stimulating memories and promoting positive reflections on past experiences rather than blocking thoughts.
B. Creating a unit calendar can be a helpful strategy to promote orientation to time and events for older adults, especially those who may have memory impairments. While this is a valuable activity for maintaining orientation, it is not specifically reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy involves recalling and discussing personal memories rather than focusing on current events.
C. Playing board games can indeed enhance cognition by stimulating various cognitive functions such as problem-solving, memory, and social interaction. However, it is not considered reminiscence therapy. Reminiscence therapy involves specific guided discussions or activities that evoke memories from the past, which can promote emotional well-being and socialization through shared experiences.
D. This is the most appropriate strategy for reminiscence therapy. Discussing childhood memories encourages older adults to recall and share past experiences, fostering a sense of identity, meaning, and connection. It can also enhance self-esteem and provide opportunities for social interaction within a therapeutic context.
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