A young man with malaria spikes a temperature of 105 F (40.5°C) and begins to hallucinate. How should the nurse assess this?
Anxiety disorder
Delirium
Early onset dementia
Psychotic break
The Correct Answer is B
A. While anxiety can cause symptoms like hallucinations, it's typically not associated with a sudden onset due to a physical illness and a high fever.
B. Delirium is an acute confusional state often caused by medical conditions, such as infections (like malaria), and is characterized by rapid onset, fluctuations in consciousness, and disturbances in attention, perception, and cognition. Hallucinations are a common symptom of delirium.
C. Dementia is a progressive decline in cognitive function, which usually develops gradually over time, not suddenly due to a fever.
D. While hallucinations are a symptom of psychosis, they are typically associated with underlying mental health conditions rather than a sudden physical illness.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Preferring to eat meals while watching TV is a common behavior that is not specifically associated with suicidal ideation. It may simply reflect the adolescent's comfort or routine preferences rather than a sign of continued suicidal intent.
B. Giving away personal belongings, such as a CD collection, can be a sign that the adolescent is making arrangements for their belongings in case of death. This behavior can sometimes suggest that the individual may be planning for their end, which could indicate lingering suicidal thoughts. It's important to explore this behavior further with the adolescent to understand their intentions and state of mind.
C. While avoidance of discussing the suicide attempt may indicate emotional distress or a reluctance to engage, it does not directly point to ongoing suicidal intent. It could also reflect a desire for privacy or difficulty in expressing feelings, rather than a clear indication of suicidal ideation.
D. Adolescents often express a desire to spend more time with peers rather than family, which is a common developmental behavior. This preference alone does not necessarily indicate suicidal intent and is more reflective of typical adolescent social behavior.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. A history of a brain tumor does not automatically exclude a person from ECT, but it requires careful consideration and evaluation. It would be essential to conduct a thorough assessment, including imaging studies and consultations with specialists, to ensure that ECT would be safe and appropriate in this context.
B. This option is a strong candidate for ECT. ECT is particularly effective for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant depression, especially when other interventions such as medication and psychotherapy have not been successful. ECT is often considered when depression is severe, persistent, and significantly impairs functioning or poses a risk to life.
C. ECT is generally not indicated for mild depression. The treatment is typically reserved for more severe cases where other forms of treatment have failed or when rapid response is necessary. Mild depression can often be managed effectively with psychotherapy, medication, or a combination of both, without the need for ECT.
D. While ECT can be considered for individuals with severe depression and underlying medical conditions, congestive heart failure (CHF) adds a layer of complexity. However, ECT can still be considered if the potential benefits outweigh the risks, and if the patient is carefully monitored and managed by a multidisciplinary team.
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