An elderly person presents with symptoms of delirium. The family ...

[mia]

An elderly person presents with symptoms of delirium. The family reports, Everything was fine until yesterday. What is the most important assessment information for the nurse to gather?
 
  a. A list of all medications the person currently takes
  b. Whether the person has experienced any recent losses
  c. Whether the person has ingested aged or fermented foods
  d. The person's recent personality characteristics and changes

Question 2

A hospitalized patient diagnosed with delirium misinterprets reality, while a patient diagnosed with dementia wanders about the home. Which outcome is the priority in both scenarios? The patients will:
 
  a. remain safe in the environment.
  b. participate actively in self-care.
  c. communicate verbally.
  d. acknowledge reality.

[ApricotDream]

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Delirium is often the result of medication interactions or toxicity. The distracters relate to MAOI therapy and depression.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Risk for injury is the nurse's priority concern. Safety maintenance is the desired outcome. The other outcomes are lower priorities and may not be realistic.