Nurse R is providing care for a 71-year-old woman who has been admitted to the surgical unit following her post-anesthetic recovery from a bilateral mastectomy.
The patient has been physically stable but disoriented to place and time since admission, but the nurse knows that a history of dementia is noted in the patient's chart. The patient's daughter is distraught, however, because mom was always just a bit forgetful, but nothing at all like this.. What would be the most appropriate response by the nurse? A) If your mother already has dementia, her confusion is to be expected..
B) It is nothing for you to worry about, most elderly persons are forgetful..
C) Delirium can also cause an alteration in mental status and can be caused from a new environment, altered level of consciousness, excess stimuli, adverse drug reactions, and physiologic disturbance, all which your mother has likely experienced as a result of her hospitalization and surgery..
D) Are you blaming us for your mother's confusion?
Question 2
The nurse recognizing a female patient's susceptibility to infection due to her history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
When teaching this patient to reduce her risk of infection in the community, what measure should the nurse emphasize to the patient?
A) Avoiding abrupt transitions from cold air to hot air
B) Washing her hands frequently and thoroughly
C) Remaining indoors when possible during allergy season
D) Avoiding contact with individuals who have not received an influenza vaccination