Author Question: A 73-year-old man has been brought to the emergency department by his daughter and son-in-law due to ... (Read 49 times)

nummyann · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A 73-year-old man has been brought to the emergency department by his daughter and son-in-law due to abrupt and uncharacteristic changes in behavior, including impairments of memory and judgment.

The subsequent history and diagnostic testing have resulted in a diagnosis of delirium. Which of the following teaching points about the client's diagnosis should the nurse provide to his family?

A) Delirium can be caused by a wide variety of factors but most of the changes in behavior and personality are permanent.
B) If the underlying cause of delirium is identified and treated, most people return to their previous level of functioning.
C) The treatment that the care team will likely provide is simple rest, which will probably bring about a return to normal.
D) For many older adults, this is considered to be just a normal part of the aging process.

Question 2

A client with amnestic disorder is being evaluated for dementia. Which of the following is a diagnostic characteristic of amnestic disorder?

A) History and physical examination indicative of memory impairment
B) Memory minimally decreased from usual
C) Memory impairment limited to periods of delirium
D) No significant problems with occupational or social functioning

Li Jun · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Ans: B
Delirium is characterized by reversibility, but this does not mean that treatment is not required or that spontaneous resolution occurs. Delirium is never considered a normal, age-related change.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A
Diagnostic characteristics of amnestic disorder include memory impairment not solely limited to periods of delirium, history and physical examination indicative of medical condition underlying the memory impairment, demonstration of significant problems with social or occupational functioning, and memory significantly decreased from usual level.