A nurse is reinforcing teaching about delirium with the caregiver of a client. Which of the following information should the nurse include?
individuals who have this disorder have a flat affect."
This disorder is characterized by a sudden onset of mental confusion
individuals who have this disorder speak at a slow pace."
This disorder is not reversible."
The Correct Answer is B
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.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A) Oucher scale: The Oucher scale is a pain assessment tool that is appropriate for children ages 3 to 12 years. It uses a series of photos depicting facial expressions that range from no pain to extreme pain. While useful for older children, it is not the most appropriate choice for an 8-month-old infant.
B) Visual Analog scale: The Visual Analog scale is typically used for children and adults who are able to understand and use numerical ratings or visual representations of pain. Since an 8-month-old infant is unable to verbally communicate or use this scale, it would not be suitable for evaluating their pain.
C) FLACC scale: The FLACC scale (Face, Legs, Activity, Cry, Consolability) is designed for infants and young children who are unable to verbally communicate their pain. It is ideal for assessing the pain levels of infants, as it evaluates observable behaviors like facial expressions, leg movement, and crying, which are indicators of pain in nonverbal children.
D) FACES pain scale: The FACES pain scale is typically used for children as young as 3 years old, but it requires the child to be able to identify and select facial expressions that correspond to their pain. An 8-month-old infant would not be able to engage with this scale, as it requires some cognitive development and understanding of emotional expressions.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A) Beefy, red tongue: The beefy, red tongue is typically associated with scarlet fever, a bacterial infection caused by group A Streptococcus. This condition can lead to a red, "strawberry" tongue, often accompanied by a rash. While measles can involve a variety of symptoms, including a red rash, conjunctivitis, and cough, the beefy red tongue is not characteristic of measles. In measles, the more notable symptoms are a high fever, cough, runny nose, and the development of Koplik spots inside the mouth.
B) Paroxysmal cough: Paroxysmal cough, which is a sudden, severe, and uncontrollable cough often followed by a "whooping" sound, is more characteristic of pertussis (whooping cough). While a cough is indeed present with measles, it is generally not paroxysmal. In measles, the cough is more persistent and associated with other typical symptoms such as fever and a characteristic rash. The coughing in measles may also be dry and harsh but does not tend to occur in violent, paroxysmal episodes like those seen in pertussis.
C) Peeling of the hands and feet: Peeling of the skin, particularly of the hands and feet, is more commonly observed in conditions such as scarlet fever, Kawasaki disease, or after a viral infection like hand-foot-and-mouth disease. It is not a classic finding of measles. In measles, the skin rash usually starts as maculopapular spots on the face and spreads down the body. While some skin sloughing can occur after the rash resolves, especially in severe cases, it is not the characteristic sign of measles, and it is not typically seen on the hands and feet.
D) Fever: Fever is one of the earliest and most prominent symptoms of measles. It typically appears about 2-4 days before the characteristic measles rash. The fever in measles can be quite high, often exceeding 104°F (40°C), and is associated with other symptoms such as cough, conjunctivitis, and photophobia. The fever usually persists for several days, and it is one of the critical signs that lead to the diagnosis of measles, particularly when combined with the characteristic rash and other respiratory symptoms.
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