When administering a mental status examination to a patient with delirium, the nurse should
a. wait until the patient is well-rested.
b. administer an anxiolytic medication.
c. choose a place without distracting stimuli.
d. reorient the patient during the examination.
ANS: C
Because overstimulation by environmental factors can distract the patient from the task of answering the nurse's questions, these stimuli should be avoided. The nurse will not wait to give the examination because action to correct the delirium should occur as soon as possible. Reorienting the patient is not appropriate during the examination. Antianxiety medications may increase the patient's delirium.
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