Age Specific Nursing Care Related

Review Age Specific Nursing Care 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. The patient's level of motor activity
  • C. Medications the patient has recently taken
  • D. Level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Medications the patient has recently taken. This information is crucial because certain medications can cause delirium in elderly patients. By reviewing the patient's recent medications, healthcare providers can identify potential drug-induced delirium and adjust treatment accordingly. Spasticity or flaccidity (choice A) is more indicative of neurologic conditions, not delirium. The patient's level of motor activity (choice B) may provide some insight but is not as specific to delirium as medication history. The level of preoccupation with somatic symptoms (choice D) is more relevant to other psychiatric conditions and does not directly help in distinguishing delirium.