What conditions predispose an older adult client to acute confusion or delirium? (Select all that apply.)
a. Alcoholism
b. Chronic pain
c. Acute infection
d. Electrolyte imbalances
e. Multi-infarct cerebrovascular disease
f. Change in drug regimen
C, D, F
Alcoholism and increased pain and disability more commonly lead to depression. Multi-infarct cerebrovascular disease is associated with progressive dementia. Infection, imbalanced electro-lytes, and drug therapy changes are likely to cause acute confusion.
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A 26-year-old woman was robbed and beaten a month ago. She is returning to the clinic today for a follow-up assessment. The nurse will want to ask her which one of these questions?
a. "How are things going with the trial?" b. "How are things going with your job?" c. "Tell me about your recent engagement!" d. "Are you having any disturbing dreams?"
The heart muscle commonly weakens with age. What is a consequence of this fact?
A) The heart beats faster but pumps with less force. B) Fatty deposits and other substances clog narrowed coronary vessels. C) Blood pressure lowers because of systemic vasodilation. D) The time required for the heart's diastolic–systolic cycle decreases.
The nurse caring for an older adult diagnosed with hyperplastic polyps instructs him that
a. this type of polyp is rarely malignant and usually does not require treatment. b. follow-up colonoscopies should be per-formed every 3 to 4 years after diagnosis. c. stool should be guaiac tested every week for 1 year after diagnosis. d. the presence of blood in the stool requires a repeat sigmoidoscopy examination.
An adolescent client is seen in the emergency department with symptoms of dementia, tremors, and ataxia. The client had been sniffing glue with a friend. The nurse suspects the client's symptoms were caused by poisoning with which of the following?
A) Mercury B) Lead. C) Toluene D) Arsenic