Questions and Answers
Which information indicates that the patient is experiencing delirium rather than dementia?
Which intervention will the nurse include in the plan of care for a patient with moderate dementia who had an appendectomy 2 days ago?
When administering a mental status examination to a patient with delirium, the nurse should:
The most appropriate action by the nurse to prevent injury during an episode of delirium is to:
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A patient in the outpatient clinic is diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Which action will the nurse include in the plan of care?
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The nurse suspects depression in a patient based on their responses. Which response indicates this?
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During assessment, a nurse expects to find which characteristic in a patient diagnosed with moderate dementia?
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Which action will help determine whether a patient's confusion is caused by dementia or delirium?
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To obtain information about a patient's current mental status, which question should the nurse ask?
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What is typically considered the most important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD)?
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Which nursing action will be most effective in ensuring daily medication compliance for a patient with mild dementia?
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Which intervention is important for a patient with severe Alzheimer's disease (AD) during hospitalization?
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Which action will the nurse include in the care plan for a 71-year-old patient with Alzheimer's disease (AD) who wanders?
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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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Description
Test your knowledge on Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia, and Delirium with these NCLEX-style questions. This quiz focuses on key differences in patient presentations and assessments crucial for nursing practice. Enhance your understanding and prepare effectively for your nursing exams.