How it Works
Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (Free-Trial)

A young man with malaria spikes a temperature of 105 F (40.5°C) and begins to hallucinate. How should the nurse assess this?

A.

Anxiety disorder

B.

Delirium

C.

Early onset dementia

D.

Psychotic break

Answer and Explanation

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.
 


Get 100+ Naxlex Exit Exams for $79 Try Naxlex NCLEX-RN (14 Day Free-Trial)

Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams

Free Nursing Study Resources

Related Questions

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. Sharing personal information can blur the professional boundaries and hinder the therapeutic relationship. The nurse's focus should be on the client's needs and well-being.
B. Maintaining professional boundaries is essential in therapeutic relationships. It helps to establish trust and ensures the nurse can provide effective care without becoming emotionally involved.
C. Comparing the client to someone else can be misleading and inappropriate. It's important to focus on the client as an individual and avoid making comparisons.
D. While empathy and compassion are crucial in nursing, developing an emotional commitment can compromise objectivity and hinder the nurse's ability to provide effective care.

Correct Answer is B

Explanation

A. This is a premature conclusion. While Alzheimer's disease is a possibility, it's essential to rule out other potential causes before making a diagnosis.
B. A comprehensive evaluation can help identify the underlying cause of the symptoms, which could be Alzheimer's disease, other forms of dementia, or even treatable conditions like vitamin deficiencies or thyroid problems.
C. Admission to a nursing home is premature and may not be necessary. The appropriate level of care will depend on the diagnosis and severity of the symptoms.
D. While some memory changes are normal with aging, the described symptoms are more severe than typical age-related forgetfulness. It's important to investigate the cause to determine if there are any underlying medical conditions or cognitive impairments.

Whether you are a student looking to ace your exams or a practicing nurse seeking to enhance your expertise , our nursing education contents will empower you with the confidence and competence to make a difference in the lives of patients and become a respected leader in the healthcare field.

Visit Naxlex, invest in your future and unlock endless possibilities with our unparalleled nursing education contents today

Register