Author Question: A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with delirium who has been brought for treatment by his ... (Read 50 times)

Metfan725 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with delirium who has been brought for treatment by his son. While taking the client's history, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client's son?

A) Has your father taken any medications recently?
B) Are you aware of your father falling or injuring his head in any way?
C) Has your father had a recent stroke?
D) Has your father experienced any major losses recently?

Question 2

As part of a follow-up home visit to an client age 80 years who has had surgery, a nurse discusses the client's risk for delirium with his family members.

Which of the following would the nurse include as placing the client at increased risk? Select all that apply.

A) Urinary tract infection
B) Hypertension
C) Acute stress
D) Bone fractures
E) Dehydration
F) Electrolyte balance

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

Answer to Question 1

Ans: A
Delirium is typically caused by medications, urinary or upper respiratory tract infections, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, questioning the son about the client's medication use would be most appropriate. Head injury or stroke may lead to changes in consciousness but not delirium. Although acute or chronic stress may be a risk factor for the development of delirium, this would not be the most appropriate question to ask at this time.

Answer to Question 2

Ans: A, C, D, E
Risk factors associated with delirium include infection, advanced age, hypotension, acute or chronic stress, bone fractures, and electrolyte or metabolic imbalances, such as dehydration and hyponatremia.