Author Question: An 80-year-old is brought to the clinic by his wife. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease ... (Read 76 times)

NguyenJ · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An 80-year-old is brought to the clinic by his wife. He has a history of peripheral vascular disease and type 2 diabetes.

The wife states that he has not seemed himself for the preceding few days, noting that he has been lethargic and mildly confused at times and has been incontinent of urine. She reports that his blood glucose levels have been elevated. What is the most likely explanation for the client's change in mental status?
A) Depression related to declining health
B) Dementia related to advancing age
C) Delirium related to underlying medical problem
D) Transient ischemic attacks related to vascular disease and diabetes

Question 2

The nurse learns in report that a 75-year-old client recovering from surgery is awake, alert, and oriented to person, place, and time.

During the shift, the nurse notes that the
the client's daughter. The nurse interprets this behavior as which of the following?
A) Normal for the first postoperative day
B) Normal, given the client's age
C) Signs of early Alzheimer's disease
D) Signs of delirium

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: C
Feedback:
Any disturbance in any organ or system that affects the brain can disrupt metabolism and neurotransmission, leading to a decline in cognition and function. Infections, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and drugs are the most frequent causes of delirium. Older adults are especially susceptible to delirium disorders because the aging neurologic system is particularly vulnerable to insults caused by underlying systemic conditions. Indeed, delirium often predicts or accompanies physical illness in older adults.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: D
Feedback:
Delirium is a syndrome characterized by a rapid onset of cognitive dysfunction and disruption in consciousness. Growing rates of delirium mirror the increasing older adult population and are expected to continue to rise. Delirium is the most common psychiatric syndrome in general hospitals, occurring in up to 50 of elderly inpatients. It is associated with significantly increased morbidity and mortality both during and after hospitalization.