The nurse is caring for four patients on the progressive care unit. Which patient is at greatest risk for developing delirium?
a. 36-year-old recovering from a motor vehicle crash; being treated with an alcohol withdrawal protocol.
b. 54-year-old postoperative aortic aneurysm resection with an elevated creatinine level
c. 86-year-old from nursing home, postoperative from colon resection
d. 95-year-old with community-acquired pneumonia; family has brought in eyeglasses and hearing aid
C
From this list, the elderly, postoperative, nursing home resident is at greatest risk. The 96-year-old has been provided eyeglasses and a hearing aid, which will decrease the risk of delirium. Renal failure is a risk for delirium, but an elevated BUN does not always indicate renal failure. The 36-year-old is receiving medications as part of an alcohol withdrawal protocol, which should decrease the risk for delirium.
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