An older client admitted to the hospital after having sustained a fall at home is diag-nosed with a right hip fracture and experienced a surgical reduction of the fracture. At 2:30 AM, she awakens from sleep insisting that her daughter is in the other roo
room and wants to see her. Attempts to reorient her to the surroundings are unsuccessful. In reviewing the client's record, what data would be considered a primary risk factor for the delirium?
a. History of dementia
b. Death of the client's husband last month
c. The client's age
d. History of cardiac disease
ANS: A
Older people who have undergone surgery and those with dementia are particularly vulnera-ble to delirium. While the other options may be factors, they are not as influential as the correct option.
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