When a distinction must be made as to whether a client is demonstrating confusion related to
depression or dementia, what nursing assessment would be of particular value?
a. The client with dementia is pervasively angry and hostile.
b. Early morning agitation and hyperactivity are present in dementia.
c. The depressed client is preoccupied with leaving the facility to return home.
d. Confusion seems to worsen at night when dementia is present.
D
Both dementia and depression in the elderly may produce symptoms of confusion. To help
distinguish whether depression or dementia is producing the confused behavior, note whether the
confusion seems to increase at night. This occurs more often with dementia than with depression.
The other options are not necessarily true.
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Punitive damages of one million dollars were awarded to the family of a patient who died following a nursing medication error. What is true of these punitive damages?
1. The damages are awarded instead of the nurse serving prison time. 2. The jury believes the nurse's actions were an honest mistake. 3. These damages are awarded to set an example to other nurses. 4. This jury identified this case as representing simple negligence.
The Visiting Nurses Association of which state developed a system of nursing diagnoses that identifies physical factors and external health factors important to community health?
a. South Dakota c. Idaho b. Arizona d. Nebraska
Which of the following findings will the nurse assess in a client diagnosed with bulimia?
1. Low body temperature 2. Elevated blood pressure 3. Increased urine output 4. Hoarseness
Which one of the following nursing interventions for a patient in pain is based on the gate control theory?
A) Giving the patient a back massage B) Changing the patient's position in bed C) Giving the patient a pain medication D) Limiting the number of visitors