Pathophysiology Practice Questions Related

Review Pathophysiology Practice Questions related questions and content

During admission, 82-year-old Mr. Robeson is brought to the medical-surgical unit for diagnostic confirmation and management of probable delirium. Which statement by the client's daughter best supports the diagnosis?

  • A. "Maybe it's just caused by aging. This usually happens by age 82."
  • B. "The changes in his behavior came on so quickly! I wasn't sure what was happening."
  • C. "Dad just didn't seem to know what he was doing. He would forget what he had for breakfast."
  • D. "Dad has always been so independent. He's lived alone for years since mom died."
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because sudden onset of behavioral changes is a typical symptom of delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute and fluctuating disturbance in attention, awareness, and cognition. Choice A is incorrect because delirium is not a normal part of aging. Choice C describes memory issues, which can be seen in delirium but are less specific than sudden behavioral changes. Choice D, while it mentions the patient's independence, does not directly support the diagnosis of delirium.