Author Question: Which of the following signs or symptoms characterizes delirium? a. forgetfulness and mood swings ... (Read 55 times)

geodog55 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

Which of the following signs or symptoms characterizes delirium?

a. forgetfulness and mood swings
b. a decreased capacity to perform daily activities
c. a gradual decline in memory and intellectual function
d. an acute change in level of consciousness and cognition

Question 2

A patient has a maladaptive response to eating regulation. Findings include the following: T, 96.

6 F; BP, 68/40; P, 40; R, 20; poor skin turgor; admits to restricting intake to 350 calories daily; and diagnostic testing reveals serum potassium of 2.9 mEq/L and urine specific gravity of 1.028 . What is the highest priority nursing diagnosis for this patient? a. Imbalanced nutrition, less than body requirements
b. Disturbed body image
c. Deficient fluid volume
d. Powerlessness

ryrychapman11 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

D
Delirium is characterized by an acute change in level of consciousness and cognition. Delirium is an acute disorder and has a good prognosis. Delirium differs from dementia in that dementia is a progressive disorder with a poor prognosis.

Answer to Question 2

C
The patient is malnourished and is experiencing dehydration, as evidenced by the low BP, poor skin turgor, and high urine specific gravity. For this reason, highest priority should be placed on restoring circulating volume, followed by increasing caloric intake. When the primary physiological needs are being met (according to Maslow), secondary needs such as body image can be addressed, and powerlessness can be explored if it applies.