A nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client's condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
A) "Basically, this diagnosis is based on the client's inability to talk normally."
B) "Your report of gradually developing confusion over time was the basis for the diagnosis."
C) "His diagnosis is primarily based on the rapid onset of his change in consciousness."
D) "The client's exposure to an infectious agent led us to determine the diagnosis."
Ans: C
The key diagnostic indicator for delirium is impaired consciousness, which is usually sudden in onset. Although infection may be an underlying cause, and other cognitive changes may occur, such as problems with memory, orientation, and language, impaired consciousness developing over a short period is key.
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