A nurse is reviewing assessment data collected from a post-operative patient. What assessment findings would serve as cues that the client may be experiencing hypoactive delirium? Select all that apply.
Slowed psychomotor activity
Impaired attention and concentration
Hallucinations and delusions
Decreased alertness or responsiveness
Agitation and restlessness
Correct Answer : A,B,D
Choice A Reason:
Slowed psychomotor activity.
Slowed psychomotor activity is a hallmark of hypoactive delirium. Patients with this type of delirium often exhibit reduced physical movement and slower reaction times. This symptom can make hypoactive delirium more challenging to recognize compared to the more obvious agitation seen in hyperactive delirium.
Choice B Reason:
Impaired attention and concentration.
Impaired attention and concentration are common in all forms of delirium, including hypoactive delirium. Patients may have difficulty focusing, sustaining, or shifting attention, which can significantly impact their ability to engage in daily activities or follow conversations.
Choice C Reason:
Hallucinations and delusions.
While hallucinations and delusions can occur in delirium, they are more commonly associated with hyperactive delirium. Hypoactive delirium is characterized more by withdrawal and decreased responsiveness rather than the presence of hallucinations or delusions.
Choice D Reason:
Decreased alertness or responsiveness.
Decreased alertness or responsiveness is a key feature of hypoactive delirium. Patients may appear drowsy, lethargic, or less responsive to their environment. This can sometimes be mistaken for depression or fatigue, making it crucial to differentiate hypoactive delirium from other conditions.
Choice E Reason:
Agitation and restlessness.
Agitation and restlessness are characteristic of hyperactive delirium, not hypoactive delirium5. In hypoactive delirium, patients are more likely to be withdrawn and less responsive rather than agitated or restless.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
The correct answer is d.
Choice A Reason:
The statement “Bureaucratic” is incorrect. Bureaucratic leadership is characterized by strict adherence to rules and procedures, with decisions made based on established policies. While this style ensures consistency and compliance, it does not typically involve the direct and decisive intervention seen in the scenario described. Bureaucratic leaders focus more on following protocols rather than making quick, authoritative decisions.
Choice B Reason:
The statement “Laissez-Faire” is incorrect. Laissez-Faire leadership is a hands-off approach where leaders provide minimal direction and allow team members to make their own decisions. This style is the opposite of what is demonstrated in the scenario, where the nurse takes immediate control of the situation. Laissez-Faire leaders typically avoid intervening directly and prefer to let issues resolve themselves.
Choice C Reason:
The statement “Democratic” is incorrect. Democratic leadership involves participative decision-making, where leaders seek input and feedback from team members before making decisions. In the scenario, the nurse does not seek input from the group but instead makes a unilateral decision to handle the matter and move on. This approach is not characteristic of democratic leadership, which values collaboration and consensus.
Choice D Reason:
The statement “Autocratic” is correct. Autocratic leadership is characterized by individual control over decisions, with little input from group members. The nurse’s behavior in the scenario—taking charge of the situation and making a quick decision without consulting the group—is indicative of an autocratic leadership style. Autocratic leaders are decisive and often make decisions independently, focusing on efficiency and control.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice B Reason: Assess for environmental triggers and potential unmet needs.
Choice A Reason:
Consulting the interdisciplinary team regarding behavior modification techniques is important for long-term management of behavioral problems in clients with major neurocognitive disorder. However, it is not the immediate priority when a client is exhibiting acute behavioral escalation. Immediate assessment and intervention are necessary to address the current situation and ensure the client’s safety.
Choice B Reason:
Assessing for environmental triggers and potential unmet needs is the priority in this scenario. Clients with major neurocognitive disorder often exhibit behavioral problems due to unmet needs or environmental factors that they cannot communicate effectively. Identifying and addressing these triggers can help de-escalate the situation and prevent further agitation. This approach aligns with evidence-based practice, which emphasizes understanding the underlying causes of behavioral issues to provide appropriate interventions.
Choice C Reason:
Assessing for potential injury to the client’s arms, legs, and back is crucial, especially if the client is on the ground and exhibiting aggressive behavior. However, this assessment should follow the initial step of identifying and addressing environmental triggers and unmet needs. Ensuring the client’s immediate safety by understanding the cause of their behavior is the first priority.
Choice D Reason:
Anticipating the behavior and physically restraining the client when pacing begins is not recommended as the first line of action. Physical restraint should be a last resort due to the potential for causing harm and increasing the client’s agitation. Instead, non-pharmacological interventions, such as identifying triggers and unmet needs, should be prioritized to manage the behavior safely and effectively.
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