Which one of the following statements related to cognitive functioning in the older adult client is true?

Question

a. Reversible systemic disorders are often implicated as a cause of delirium.
b. Cognitive deterioration is an inevitable outcome of aging.
c. Delirium is easily distinguished from irreversible dementia.
d. Intoxication from therapeutic drugs is a common cause of senile dementia.

Answer 1

A
Delirium is a potentially reversible cognitive impairment that is often due to a physiological cause such as an electrolyte imbalance, cerebral anoxia, hypoglycemia, medications, tumours, cerebrovascular infection, or hemorrhage.
Cognitive deterioration is not an inevitable outcome of aging.
Delirium is not always easily distinguishable from irreversible dementia. Because of the close resemblance between delirium and dementia, the presence of delirium must be ruled out when-ever dementia is suspected.
The cause of senile dementia is not known. Medications and drug effects can cause delirium.