A nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with delirium who has been brought for treatment by his son. While taking the client's history, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client's son?
A) "Has your father taken any medications recently?"
B) "Are you aware of your father falling or injuring his head in any way?"
C) "Has your father had a recent stroke?"
D) "Has your father experienced any major losses recently?"
Ans: A
Delirium is typically caused by medications, urinary or upper respiratory tract infections, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and metabolic disturbances. Therefore, questioning the son about the client's medication use would be most appropriate. Head injury or stroke may lead to changes in consciousness but not delirium. Although acute or chronic stress may be a risk factor for the development of delirium, this would not be the most appropriate question to ask at this time.
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