Author Question: An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. The family asks ... (Read 137 times)

fagboi · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An elderly patient is admitted with delirium secondary to a urinary tract infection. The family asks whether the patient will ever recover. Select the nurse's best response.

a. The health care provider is the best person to answer your question.
b. The confusion will probably get better as we treat the infection.
c. Unfortunately, delirium is a progressively disabling disorder.
d. I will be glad to contact the chaplain to talk with you.

Question 2

An older adult is prescribed digoxin (Lanoxin) and hydrochlorothiazide daily as well as lorazepam (Ativan) as needed for anxiety. Over 2 days, the patient developed confusion, slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and fluctuating levels of orientation.

What is the most likely reason for the patient's change in mental status?

a. Drug actions and interactions
b. Benzodiazepine withdrawal
c. Hypotensive episodes
d. Renal failure

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

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
Usually, as the underlying cause of the delirium is treated, the symptoms of delirium clear. The distracters mislead the family.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: A
Drug actions and interactions are common among elderly persons and predispose this population to delirium. Delirium is characterized by an abrupt onset of fluctuating levels of awareness, clouded consciousness, perceptual disturbances, and disturbed memory and orientation. The patient takes lorazepam on a PRN basis, so withdrawal is unlikely. Hypotensive episodes or problems with renal function may occur associated with the patient's drug regime, but interactions are more likely the problem.