A client is exhibiting signs of mild delirium such as occasional ...

[lbcchick]

A client is exhibiting signs of mild delirium such as occasional confusion about why he is in the hospital and what day of the week it is.
 
  When developing a care plan, the nurse identifies several strategies to improve the client's cognitive function. Which of the following interventions will be most helpful to the client?
  A) Keep the television on to provide stimulation
  B) Have someone play checkers with the client
  C) Write the date and the times of scheduled activities on a whiteboard
  D) Place the client on bed rest to ensure energy conservation and rapid recovery

Question 2

A client is admitted to the psychiatric unit after taking various medications and illegal substances to get high.
 
  In addition to his underlying diagnosis of bipolar disorder, the client is diagnosed with delirium. Currently, he is experiencing mild hallucinations and confusion. Which intervention should the nurse do first?
  A) Loosely apply a vest restraint
  B) Obtain an order for haloperidol
  C) Arrange for an unlicensed assistant to sit with the client
  D) Organize diversional activities for the client.

[pallen55]

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
The confused client will be calmer when the nurse eliminates environmental stimuli that invite misinterpretation, such as abstract pictures on the wall or excessive background noise and television. Conversely, the nurse can provide environmental cues in the form of clocks, recognizable pictures, and calendars to help restore orientation to time and place. A caveat to reducing environmental stimuli is to not create an understimulating environment, which can be just as detrimental as an overstimulating one. The key is to remove abstract or difficult-to-interpret environmental cues and replace them with simple, easy-to-recognize ones.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: C
Feedback:
The team must structure the client's environment to ensure safety as well as to maximize cognitive abilities and psychological comfort. Providing a private room for the client is beneficial so that staff can minimize noxious and confusing environmental stimuli and maximize the use of a sitter or supportive family members.