The family of a school-age client is very upset because the child ...

[stephzh]

The family of a school-age client is very upset because the child does not seem to know the family. The client has been admitted with pneumonia and has a high fever. What should the nurse teach this family to alleviate stress about the child's confusion?
 
  Select all that apply.
  A) Reorient the client to time and place as much as possible.
  B) Encourage the family remain at the bedside as much as possible.
  C) Explain that high fevers can cause delirium.
  D) Reassure that the confusion will not last very long.
  E) Teach the family how to care for the child upon discharge.

Question 2

The family of an older adult client is informed that the client has delirium. Which statement indicates that the family understands the diagnosis?
 
  A) Dad has always been so independent. He's lived alone for years since my mom died.
  B) The changes in his behavior came on so quickly. He was fine when he woke up but didn't know the year or where he was by lunch time.
  C) Dad has been becoming increasingly forgetful over the last several months.
  D) Maybe it's just caused by aging. This usually happens when people get older.

[kingdude89]

Answer to Question 1

Answer: B, C

The nurse will want to explain that high fever can cause confusion in the child and that this symptom will abate when the temperature returns to normal. Having the family remain at the bedside will decrease anxiety felt by the family. Teaching the family how to care for the child during the hospitalization or upon discharge will not necessarily decrease their anxiety. Telling the family the confusion will not last long is not helping them to understand the nature of the symptom.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: B

Delirium is characterized by a rapid and abrupt onset of symptoms. Although delirium is more common in older individuals, aging is not a cause of delirium. Impairments in short-term memory are more indicative of dementia. The fact that he had been independent has no bearing on his current symptoms.

[stephzh]

Correct answers!

[kingdude89]

Great! Please up vote