Podcast
Questions and Answers
Which information indicates that the patient is experiencing delirium rather than dementia?
Which information indicates that the patient is experiencing delirium rather than dementia?
- The patient has a history of increasing confusion over several years.
- The patient's speech is fragmented and incoherent.
- The patient was oriented and alert when admitted. (correct)
- The patient is oriented to person but disoriented to place and time.
Which intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with moderate dementia who had an appendectomy 2 days ago?
Which intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with moderate dementia who had an appendectomy 2 days ago?
- Reposition the patient frequently to avoid skin breakdown.
- Place suction at the bedside to decrease the risk for aspiration.
- Remind the patient frequently about being in the hospital. (correct)
- Provide complete personal hygiene care for the patient.
When administering a mental status examination to a patient with delirium, the nurse should:
When administering a mental status examination to a patient with delirium, the nurse should:
- Choose a place without distracting stimuli. (correct)
- Wait until the patient is well-rested.
- Reorient the patient during the examination.
- Administer an anxiolytic medication.
The most appropriate action by the nurse to prevent injury during an episode of delirium is to:
The most appropriate action by the nurse to prevent injury during an episode of delirium is to:
A patient in the outpatient clinic is diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
A patient in the outpatient clinic is diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
The nurse suspects depression in a patient based on their responses. Which response indicates this?
The nurse suspects depression in a patient based on their responses. Which response indicates this?
During assessment, a nurse expects to find which characteristic in a patient diagnosed with moderate dementia?
During assessment, a nurse expects to find which characteristic in a patient diagnosed with moderate dementia?
Which action will help determine whether a patient's confusion is caused by dementia or delirium?
Which action will help determine whether a patient's confusion is caused by dementia or delirium?
To obtain information about a patient's current mental status, which question should the nurse ask?
To obtain information about a patient's current mental status, which question should the nurse ask?
What is typically considered the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
What is typically considered the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
Which nursing action will be most effective in ensuring daily medication compliance for a patient with mild dementia?
Which nursing action will be most effective in ensuring daily medication compliance for a patient with mild dementia?
Which intervention is important for a patient with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) during hospitalization?
Which intervention is important for a patient with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) during hospitalization?
Which action will the nurse include in the care plan for a 71-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who wanders?
Which action will the nurse include in the care plan for a 71-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who wanders?
Flashcards
Delirium
Delirium
A sudden change in mental state, often characterized by confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating alertness. It usually develops quickly and is often reversible.
Dementia
Dementia
A progressive decline in cognitive function, usually involving memory loss, thinking problems, and behavioral changes. It develops gradually and is not reversible.
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
Confusion Assessment Method (CAM)
A tool used to assess a patient's cognitive function and mental status. It helps to differentiate between delirium and dementia, as well as identify other mental health issues.
Mental Status
Mental Status
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Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
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Short-term Memory Loss
Short-term Memory Loss
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Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
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Brain Atrophy
Brain Atrophy
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Medication Compliance
Medication Compliance
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Maintaining a Consistent Daily Routine
Maintaining a Consistent Daily Routine
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Comprehensive Hygiene Care
Comprehensive Hygiene Care
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Repositioning
Repositioning
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Frequent Reminders
Frequent Reminders
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Study Notes
Delirium vs. Dementia
- Delirium has an acute onset; patients may be alert when admitted and can rapidly change from alert to confused.
- A key sign of delirium is incoherent and fragmented speech; dementia typically involves gradual memory loss.
- Increasing confusion over several years aligns with dementia, not delirium.
Care for Dementia Patients
- For patients with moderate dementia, frequent reminders about their condition and environment are crucial.
- Comprehensive hygiene care is more appropriate for severe dementia due to self-care challenges.
- Repositioning aids in avoiding skin breakdown, but frequent reminders are necessary for those with cognitive impairments.
Mental Status Examination
- Conduct exams in environments free from distracting stimuli to enhance patient focus.
- Waiting until the patient is well-rested before assessment is not effective; timely intervention is essential.
Postoperative Care
- To mitigate injury risks during delirium, having unlicensed assistive personnel (UAP) provide reorientation is effective.
- Restraints and antipsychotic medications may pose additional risks and are usually not the best initial choice.
Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI)
- Patients with MCI should have more frequent appointments to monitor their condition closely.
- Discussing long-term care options or supervision isn't immediately necessary in early MCI without further cognitive decline.
Identifying Mental Health Issues
- Patients displaying responses like “I don’t know” could indicate depression, distinct from memory issues seen in dementia.
- The Confusion Assessment Method is a reliable tool for differentiating between dementia and delirium.
Assessment Questions
- In assessing mental status, asking about recent, specific events (like breakfast) evaluates short-term memory, an indicator of Alzheimer's disease.
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) Diagnosis
- Diagnosis often requires excluding other dementia causes; family history is a significant risk factor.
- Presence of brain atrophy indicates progression but does not confirm AD.
Medication Compliance
- Engaging a family member to administer medications effectively ensures adherence for patients with mild dementia due to common forgetfulness.
Hospital Care for Alzheimer's Patients
- Maintaining a consistent daily routine for patients with severe AD lessens confusion and anxiety.
- Familiar items from home may help with orientation, but placing at-risk patients nearer to nursing staff enhances safety during wandering episodes.
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