The family of an older adult client is informed that the client has delirium. Which statement indicates that the family understands the diagnosis?
A) "Dad has always been so independent. He's lived alone for years since my mom died."
B) "The changes in his behavior came on so quickly. He was fine when he woke up but didn't know the year or where he was by lunch time."
C) "Dad has been becoming increasingly forgetful over the last several months."
D) "Maybe it's just caused by aging. This usually happens when people get older."
Answer: B
Delirium is characterized by a rapid and abrupt onset of symptoms. Although delirium is more common in older individuals, aging is not a cause of delirium. Impairments in short-term memory are more indicative of dementia. The fact that he had been independent has no bearing on his current symptoms.
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