Author Question: A 20-year-old construction worker has been brought into the emergency department with heat stroke. ... (Read 103 times)

cherise1989 · **on:** Jun 25, 2018

A 20-year-old construction worker has been brought into the emergency department with heat stroke. He has delirium as a result of a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. For the mental status examination, the nurse should first assess the patient's:

a. Affect and mood
b. Memory and affect
c. Language abilities
d. Level of consciousness and cognitive abilities

Question 2

A patient states, I feel so sad all of the time. I can't feel happy even doing things I used to like to do. He also states that he is tired, sleeps poorly, and has no energy. To differentiate between a dysthymic disorder and a major depressive disorder,

a. Have you had any weight changes?
b. Are you having any thoughts of suicide?
c. How long have you been feeling this way?
d. Are you having feelings of worthlessness?

tennis14576 · **Reply #1 on:** Jun 25, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: D
Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness (i.e., reduced clarity of awareness of the environment) with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention. Delirium is not an alteration in mood, affect, or language abilities.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
Major depressive disorder is characterized by one or more major depressive episodes, that is, at least 2 weeks of depressed mood or loss of interest accompanied by at least four additional symptoms of depression. Dysthymic disorder is characterized by at least 2 years of depressed mood for more days than not, accompanied by additional depressive symptoms.