An older adult with no significant medical history is admitted to the hospital through the emergency department after falling and fracturing her humerus. She does not require surgery and will probably be discharged the following day
Should the nurse be concerned about delirium?
A) No, because the client does not have an underlying disease process
B) No, because the client will not be hospitalized long enough to develop delirium
C) Yes, because of the stress of the injury and the unfamiliar hospital environment
D) Yes, because she may have suffered a traumatic brain injury when she fell
Ans: C
Feedback:
Certain clients are at increased risk for delirium, specifically older adults and cognitively impaired older adults recovering from surgery. Older adults are especially susceptible to delirium disorders because the aging neurologic system is particularly vulnerable to insults caused by underlying systemic conditions. Indeed, delirium often predicts or accompanies physical illness in older adults.
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