A nurse is reviewing the medical record of a client who is experiencing delirium. Which of the following in the health record should the nurse identify as a cause of this disorder?
Seasonal allergies
History of GERD
Benzodiazepines
Completed antibiotics 10 days ago
The Correct Answer is C
Choice A Reason: Seasonal allergies are not a cause of delirium, but a common condition that affects the respiratory system and causes symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, or coughing.
Choice B Reason: History of GERD is not a cause of delirium, but a chronic condition that affects the digestive system and causes symptoms such as heartburn, regurgitation, chest pain, or difficulty swallowing.
Choice C Reason: Benzodiazepines are a cause of delirium, especially in older adults or those with cognitive impairment. Benzodiazepines are a class of drugs that act on the central nervous system and cause sedation, relaxation, and reduced anxiety. However, they can also impair memory, attention, orientation, and judgment, and lead to confusion, agitation, hallucinations, or delusions.
Choice D Reason: Completed antibiotics 10 days ago are not a cause of delirium, but a treatment for bacterial infections. Antibiotics can have side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, rash, or allergic reactions, but they do not cause delirium unless they are toxic or interact with other medications.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A Reason: This choice is incorrect. Inability to read is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a stroke or a brain tumor. Meningitis does not affect the language or cognitive functions, but rather the meninges or the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord.
Choice B Reason: This choice is incorrect. Bruising around the eyes is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has a basilar skull fracture or a head trauma. Meningitis does not cause bleeding or bruising, but rather inflammation and infection of the meninges.
Choice C Reason: This is the correct choice. A throbbing headache is a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, as it is one of the most common and characteristic symptoms. A throbbing headache is caused by increased intracranial pressure and irritation of the meninges due to inflammation and infection.
Choice D Reason: This choice is incorrect. A heart rate of 50 is not a finding that the nurse should expect in a client who has meningitis, but rather a possible finding in a client who has bradycardia or a slow heart rate. Meningitis does not affect the heart rate, but rather the temperature and blood pressure. The nurse should expect to see fever and hypotension in a client who has meningitis.
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
Choice A Reason: Colorectal cancer is not likely to cause nausea with projectile vomiting or high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant. Colorectal cancer may cause symptoms such as rectal bleeding, change in bowel habits, abdominal pain, or weight loss.
Choice B Reason: Paralytic ileus is a condition where the bowel stops working and does not contract or move food along. Paralytic ileus may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, absence of bowel sounds, constipation, or vomiting.
Choice C Reason: Large bowel obstruction is a blockage of the colon or rectum that prevents the passage of stool. Large bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as abdominal distension, low-pitched sounds in the right lower quadrant, constipation, or ribbon-like stools.
Choice D Reason: Small bowel obstruction is a blockage of the small intestine that prevents the passage of food and fluids. Small bowel obstruction may cause symptoms such as nausea with projectile vomiting, high-pitched sounds in the left upper quadrant, abdominal cramps, or dehydration.
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