Age Specific Care Quiz Related

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An elderly female client on the mental unit suddenly becomes upset because she can't remember where she is and she says, 'I can't think straight.' The staff has never witnessed this behavior in the client, and this type of complaint is not documented in the nursing history. What is the client most likely experiencing?

  • A. Hallucinations
  • B. Dementia
  • C. Delusions
  • D. Delirium
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Delirium. Delirium is characterized by sudden onset confusion, disorientation, and impaired cognitive function. In this scenario, the elderly client's sudden confusion and inability to think straight suggest an acute change in mental status, which is indicative of delirium. Delirium is often triggered by underlying medical conditions or medications.

A: Hallucinations involve perceiving things that are not real, which is not described in the scenario.
B: Dementia is a chronic condition with gradual cognitive decline, not sudden onset confusion.
C: Delusions are fixed false beliefs, which are not mentioned in the scenario.

In summary, the client is most likely experiencing delirium due to the sudden onset of confusion and cognitive impairment, which is not consistent with hallucinations, dementia, or delusions.