The nurse is assessing an older adult client and observes that ...

[sc00by25]

The nurse is assessing an older adult client and observes that the client is having several cognitive problems, including memory and attention deficits and fluctuating levels of orientation.
 
  The nurse confirms with the family that the client's symptoms developed over a several-year period. Which health problem is the client most likely experiencing?
  A) Depression
  B) Dementia
  C) Intellectual disability
  D) Delirium

Question 2

An older adult client comes into the clinic for a pneumonia vaccine. During the client interview, the client seems to have mild difficulty with several words and has problems remembering the nurse's name.
 
  The client is alert and oriented to time, person, and place and most responses seem appropriate. How should the nurse describe this client's cognitive changes?
  A) Memory impairment that may be related to cerebral ischemia
  B) Normal signs of aging
  C) Indicators of depression in the elderly
  D) Early symptoms of dementia

[fwbard]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B

Dementia is a chronic progressive disorder characterized by memory impairments that develop slowly over a longer period of time. Depression is a mood disorder that is characterized by a dysphoric mood or loss of interest in usual activities. Delirium is an acute, abrupt-onset condition characterized by prominent disorientation, impaired attention, and memory deficits. Intellectual disability is defined as significant limitation in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviors that occurs before the age of 18.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Cognitive changes vary widely in older adults; however, most older people will not suffer significant memory impairment. Many may experience mild problems with word finding and remembering names. The changes described for this client are normal signs of aging and not symptoms of dementia, depression, or ischemia. Dementia may present with additional symptoms of memory loss related to orientation and completing day-to-day tasks. Depression would show signs of flat affect, or withdrawal, and ischemia may show additional neurological deficits.