The nurse is caring for an 88-year-old patient who is recovering from an ileac-femoral bypass graft. The patient is day 2 postoperative and has been mentally intact, as per baseline
When the nurse assesses the patient, it is clear that he is confused and has been experiencing disturbed sleep patterns and impaired psychomotor skills. What should the nurse suspect is the problem with the patient?
A) Postoperative delirium
B) Postoperative dementia
C) Senile dementia
D) Senile confusion
Ans: A
Feedback:
Postoperative delirium, characterized by confusion, perceptual and cognitive deficits, altered attention levels, disturbed sleep patterns, and impaired psychomotor skills, is a significant problem for older adults. Dementia does not have a sudden onset. Senile confusion is not a recognized health problem.
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