The family of an older client states that the client has been impossible to deal with all of a sudden and wonders if the client needs to be in a nursing home for dementia. The nurse suspects delirium and should ask the family if:
1. the client has been confused for a long time.
2. the client experienced vomiting and diarrhea recently.
3. the client puts things in odd places.
4. the client gets lost easily in the neighborhood.
Answer: 2
1. Delirium has an abrupt onset, whereas, dementia is a slow progression. Since the family states that the symptoms developed suddenly, the nurse would not ask about long term confusion.
2. Dehydration can cause delirium in the elderly, so the nurse should ask questions that can pinpoint the cause of delirium.
3. Putting things in odd places is a sign of dementia.
4. Getting lost in the neighborhood is a sign of dementia.
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