An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. "The family asks whether the patient will recover?" What would be the nurses' best answer?
"Unfortunately, delirium is a progressively disabling disorder."
"The confusion will probably get better as we treat the infection.
The health care provider is the best person to answer your question."
"I will be glad to contact the chaplain to talk with you."
The Correct Answer is B
A. Delirium is usually acute and reversible, especially when caused by an underlying condition like a UTI.
B. Delirium in elderly patients is often secondary to an acute illness such as a urinary tract infection. Treatment of the underlying cause typically resolves the confusion, so this statement provides accurate and reassuring information to the family.
C. While the provider can give a formal prognosis, the nurse can provide evidence-based, general information about delirium recovery.
D. While supportive, this does not address the family’s question about recovery.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Suicide precautions should never be discontinued at this time; in fact, suicide risk is highest when energy improves before mood fully stabilizes.
B. Increased energy after starting antidepressants raises suicide risk, as the patient may now have the ability to act on suicidal thoughts. Continuous supervision is the priority for safety.
C. Discharge planning is premature at this stage; safety comes first.
D. Art and music therapy may be beneficial long-term but do not address the immediate suicide risk.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
A. This involves memory loss due to brain injury or alcohol abuse, not acute fluctuating confusion.
B. Alzheimer’s causes progressive, irreversible memory decline that develops gradually, not suddenly over 2 days.
C. Delirium is characterized by acute onset, fluctuating levels of orientation, confusion, speech changes, and impaired gait, often triggered by medications, infections, or metabolic issues.
D. Dementia develops slowly and progressively, not suddenly like delirium.
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