Population Based Health Care Related

Review Population Based Health Care related questions and content

A 17-year-old client is admitted to the ED after being alternately hyperalert and difficult to arouse. His symptoms all started within the last few hours, during which time he became disoriented and confused. His behavior was agitated and restless, and his memory was impaired, especially for recent events. The client displayed some delusions and misinterpretations of his surroundings. The nurse knows she needs to assess the client further for:

  • A. Dementia
  • B. Depression
  • C. Delirium
  • D. Amnesia
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Delirium. Delirium is characterized by acute and fluctuating changes in cognition, attention, and awareness. The client's sudden onset of symptoms, including disorientation, confusion, agitation, restlessness, impaired memory, delusions, and misinterpretations of surroundings, align with the hallmark features of delirium. The nurse needs to further assess the client for delirium to determine the underlying cause and provide appropriate interventions promptly.

Incorrect choices:
A: Dementia - Dementia is a chronic, progressive condition characterized by gradual cognitive decline. The client's acute onset of symptoms is not consistent with dementia.
B: Depression - Depression typically presents with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, which are different from the acute and fluctuating cognitive changes seen in delirium.
D: Amnesia - Amnesia refers to memory loss, which is only one aspect of the client's presentation. Delirium involves a broader range of cognitive