Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank Related

Review Nurse in Psychiatry Test Bank related questions and content

When making a distinction as to whether an elderly patient has confusion related to delirium or another problem, what information would be of particular value?

  • A. Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity
  • B. Medications the patient has recently taken.
  • C. Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms
  • D. The patient’s level of motor activity
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Medications the patient has recently taken. This is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. Step 1: Evaluate recent medication history. Step 2: Identify medications known to cause delirium. Step 3: Determine if the patient has taken any of these medications. Other choices are incorrect because: A: Evidence of spasticity or flaccidity is more related to neuromuscular conditions. C: Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms is not specific to delirium assessment. D: The patient’s level of motor activity is not a key factor in distinguishing delirium from other problems.