An 84-year-old patient has returned from the PACU. The patient is oriented to name only. The patient's family is very upset because before having surgery, the patient knew the family. The patient is diagnosed with delirium
What should the nurse explain to the patient's family?
A) There is nothing to worry about.
B) Delirium involves a progressive decline in memory loss.
C) Delirium usually lasts only a short time.
D) Delirium is generally more prevalent in women.
Ans: C
Feedback: Delirium occurs secondary to a number of causes, including physical illness, medication or alcohol toxicity, dehydration, fecal impaction, malnutrition, infection, head trauma, lack of environmental cues, and sensory deprivation or overload. Delirium differs from other types of dementia in that delirium begins with confusion and progresses to disorientation. It affects men and women equally, has symptoms that are reversible with treatment, and, with treatment, is short term in nature. Progressive memory loss is seen in Alzheimer's disease. Delirium in the elderly is a common and life-threatening complication for the hospitalized elderly.
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