An older adult patient is brought to the emergency department (ED) by family members. The patient is disoriented and confused and has difficulty with attention. Family members report that the symptoms came on suddenly
Which is the nurse's priority for assessment?
1. Risk factors for depression
2. Risk factors for dementia
3. Risk factors for schizophrenia
4. Risk factors for delirium
Answer: 4
Explanation: Delirium, a confusional state with rapid onset, can often be misdiagnosed as dementia, depression, or other psychiatric disorders. The nurse will assess for risk factors that may suggest an underlying cause of delirium. Dementia is a slow, progressive condition. Signs and symptoms of schizophrenia generally develop over weeks to months, not suddenly. Depression is characterized by a persistent dysphoric state, not sudden confusion and disorientation.
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A client receiving levofloxacin comes to the clinic for a follow-up visit. The client tells the nurse, "I used sunscreen but it didn't help." Which response by the nurse would be most helpful?
A) "Be sure to wear long sleeves and a wide-brimmed hat in addition to using sunscreen." B) "I guess you didn't apply enough sunscreen to be effective." C) "Maybe we need to change your medication because this is unusual." D) "The sunscreen should have worked. Are you sure you actually did use it?"
When taking a ________ ________, the practitioner should write the order as she receives it, read the
order back to the AP, and have the AP confirm the order. Fill in the blank(s) with correct word
Which normal skin variation might be noted when assessing an older adult patient's skin?
1) Increased moisture 2) Decreased turgor 3) Increased temperature 4) Decreased texture
Asking a patient to give the meaning of the proverb "people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones" will assist a nurse in assessing the patient's:
a. short-term memory. b. orientation to reality. c. emotional intelligence. d. ability to think abstractly.