In the assessment of older adult clients, it is often difficult ...

[penza]

In the assessment of older adult clients, it is often difficult to discriminate between delirium and dementia. A major difference that the nurse is alert to is that delirium is characterized by which one of the following?
 
  a. Lasting months to years
  b. Involving a normal state of alertness
  c. Having a slow progression
  d. Occurring at twilight or in darkness

Question 2

The nurse is aware of the expected growth and development of the infant to determine whether any abnormalities are present. In evaluating the infant's physical status and growth, which of the following does the nurse expect to find?
 
  a. Birth height increases 2.5 cm each month for the first 6 months.
  b. The anterior fontanel closes 4 to 8 weeks after birth.
  c. Chest circumference is larger than head circumference at 12 months.
  d. Birth weight triples by 6 months.

[LP]

Answer to Question 1

D
Delirium is characterized by short, diurnal fluctuations in symptoms, and is worse at night, in darkness, and on awakening.
Delirium may last hours to less than one month, seldom longer. Dementia may last months to years.
Delirium is characterized by fluctuating alertness; the person experiencing it may be lethargic or hypervigilant. With dementia, symptoms are progressive yet relatively stable over time.
Delirium has an abrupt onset. Dementia has a slow progression.

Answer to Question 2

A
Height increases an average of 2.5 cm during each of the first 6 months and 3.8 cm during the next 6 months.
The anterior fontanel closes at about 12 to 18 months.
The head and chest circumference are equal at age 1 year.
Birth weight doubles in approximately 5 months and triples by 12 months.