Cognitive Conditions
Cognitive Conditions ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has delirium and is experiencing hallucinations.
Which of the following statements should the nurse make to the client?
This is wrong because it is dismissive and invalidating of the client’s experience. It can also increase the client’s anxiety and agitation.
This is wrong because it can encourage the client to focus on the hallucinations and reinforce their delusions. It can also make the client more fearful and confused.
I am here to help you.” This statement shows empathy and reassurance to the client who has delirium and is experiencing hallucinations.
The nurse should also use a calm and soothing voice, maintain eye contact, and orient the client to reality.
This is wrong because it is unrealistic and unhelpful. The client cannot ignore the hallucinations that are distressing to them.
They also need support and intervention to address the underlying cause of delirium.
Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness and a change in cognition that develop rapidly over a short period.
It can be caused by various factors such as medical conditions, medications, substance use or withdrawal, infections, dehydration, pain, or emotional stress.
Delirium can manifest as hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed type, with different levels of arousal, psychomotor activity, and mood.
The correct answer is C. “I know this is scary for you.
I am here to help you.” This statement shows empathy and reassurance to the client who has delirium and is experiencing hallucinations.
The nurse should also use a calm and soothing voice, maintain eye contact, and orient the client to reality.
Choice A is wrong because it is dismissive and invalidating of the client’s experience.
It can also increase the client’s anxiety and agitation.
Choice B is wrong because it can encourage the client to focus on the hallucinations and reinforce their delusions.
It can also make the client more fearful and confused.
Choice D is wrong because it is unrealistic and unhelpful.
The client cannot ignore the hallucinations that are distressing to them.
They also need support and intervention to address the underlying cause of delirium.
Delirium is a disturbance of consciousness and a change in cognition that develop rapidly over a short period.
It can be caused by various factors such as medical conditions, medications, substance use or withdrawal, infections, dehydration, pain, or emotional stress.
Delirium can manifest as hyperactive, hypoactive, or mixed type, with different levels of arousal, psychomotor activity, and mood.
Nursing interventions for delirium include assessing the patient’s cognitive and functional ability, using non-pharmacological methods such as multi-component interventions, family involvement, and light therapy, and recognizing delirium as a medical emergency that requires frequent monitoring and advocacy.
General measures to support cerebral function, such as hydration, nourishment, and oxygen, are also important.
Physical restraints are used only as a last resort.
For more information on delirium nursing diagnosis and care management, please refer to these sources:.