Author Question: An older adult patient diagnosed with delirium is anxious, agitated, and experiencing visual ... (Read 58 times)

RRMR · **on:** Jul 11, 2018

An older adult patient diagnosed with delirium is anxious, agitated, and experiencing visual hallucinations. The nurse entering the room to assess vital signs should

a. announce his or her name and title, and what is happening.
b. silently take the vital signs to minimize stimulation.
c. ask the patient to identify place, person, and time.
d. turn on all lights in the room.

Question 2

An older adult patient developed delirium secondary to diphenhydramine (Benadryl) use

The patient usually took this drug for allergies but recently added a cough syrup that also contained the drug. What information is most important to teach the family?
a. Older adults are more prone to delirium.
b. The patient is now susceptible to progressive cognitive decline.
c. Toxic medication levels often occur because of slower metabolism in older adults.
d. The older adult brain has fewer neurotransmitters than the brain of a younger person.

lkanara2 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 11, 2018

Answer to Question 1

A
A patient who is anxious, confused, and experiencing sensory perceptual alterations needs help coping with the environment. Nurses should identify themselves whenever entering the room, giving both their name and title, and provide simple explanations and directives. The other options are inadvisable.

Answer to Question 2

C
Older adult patients metabolize drugs more slowly as a result of declining liver function. Excretion might also be slowed. Drugs might accumulate until toxic levels are reached and cognitive symptoms appear. Anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, and antiarrhythmia drugs are of particular concern. For this reason, families need to be aware of the drugs that older adults are using and the possible interactions among the drugs, and be alert for early symptoms of cognitive disturbance. Although older adults are more prone to delirium, it's important to provide more specific information to the family. None of the other options are correct.