Age Specific Care Quiz Related

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An individual is brought by ambulance to the emergency room. The patient's roommate reports that the patient was weak and confused on awakening and began "rambling and talking crazy" about 3 hours ago. A nurse notes that the patient's skin is flushed and dry. When transferred to a bed, the patient strikes out at the staff and shouts, "You're not going to kill me!" The most likely analysis of this behavior is:

  • A. disturbed self-esteem related to catastrophic reaction.
  • B. disturbed sensory perception related to altered brain function.
  • C. other-directed violence related to fear associated with hospitalization.
  • D. impaired environmental interpretational syndrome related to metabolic disturbance.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: disturbed sensory perception related to altered brain function. The patient's presenting symptoms of confusion, rambling speech, physical aggression, and paranoia suggest an altered mental state. The flushed and dry skin may indicate dehydration, which can affect brain function. The behavior is likely a result of the patient's distorted sensory perceptions due to an underlying physiological or neurological issue.

Incorrect choices:
A: disturbed self-esteem related to catastrophic reaction - This choice does not address the patient's specific symptoms and is not supported by the scenario.
C: other-directed violence related to fear associated with hospitalization - While fear of hospitalization may contribute to violence, it does not explain the patient's overall presentation of altered mental status.
D: impaired environmental interpretational syndrome related to metabolic disturbance - This choice does not directly address the patient's symptoms and does not explain the confusion and paranoia displayed.