Delirium/Dementia

Question 1

Delirium is the

Answer 1

state of temporary but acute mental confusion
life-threatening
preventable and/or reversible

Question 2

Delirium is most common in the

Answer 2

elderly but occur at any age

Question 3

Patho of delirium

Answer 3

link to onset
stress
surgery
sleep deprivation
pain and depression

Question 4

What is the leading cause factor of delirium?

Answer 4

dementia

Question 5

________is a risk factor for subsequent development of dementia

Answer 5

delirium

Question 6

Why is it important to manage pain levels in hospitals esp. post-op older pts?

Answer 6

decrease the risk of delirium

Question 7

Is delirium reversible?

Answer 7

yes if cause is found

Question 8

Why is delirium scary and life-threatening?

Answer 8

they are unable to tell their s/s to someone
symptoms fluctuate and common at night

Question 9

Systemic illness

Answer 9

infection
cardiovascular
endocrine
toxic-metabolic

Question 10

Primary cerebral disease

Answer 10

head injury
stroke
increased ICP
infection
epilepsy

Question 11

Delirium can cause

Answer 11

systemic illness
primary cerebral disease

Question 12

Causes of Delirium mnemonic

Answer 12

Dementia, dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances, emotional stress
Lung, liver, heart, kidney, brain
Infection, ICU
Rx Drugs (mixed)
Injury, immobility
Untreated pain, unfamiliar environment
Metabolic disorders

Question 13

Delirium Dx Tests

Answer 13

H&P, meds Rx or OTC
lab tests
ECG
CT OR MRI - head injury
LP
EEG

Question 14

Delirium Nursing Mgmt

Answer 14

potentially reversible
Focus on eliminating precipitating factors
secondary to infection = antibiotic

Question 15

For a delirium pt, what should you do when they are confused?

Answer 15

Reorient by calming them down to reality

Question 16

Dementia

Answer 16

chronic and progressive deterioration
**Gradual decline in memory, language, and higher executive functions

Question 17

Dementia pts are

Answer 17

alert and aware
interferes with social and daily functions

Question 18

Cure for Dementia

Answer 18

no
**Prolonged exp. = possible irreversible

Question 19

Most common causes of dementia

Answer 19

Neurodegenerative conditions
-Alzheimer’s
Vascular diseases
-vascular dementia
Toxic, metabolic, or nutritional diseases
-with Lewy bodies
Immunologic or systemic diseases

Question 20

Dementia Dx

Answer 20

Focused on determining the cause
Medical, neurologic, & psychological history
Rule out other medical condition

Question 21

Nursing Mgmt of Dementia

Answer 21

similar to Alzheimer’s
treat risk factors

Question 22

An older pt is admitted to the hospital with a UTI and possible bacterial sepsis. The family is concerned because the pt is confused and not able to carry on a conversation. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
a) Depression is a common cause of confusion in older adults in the hospital.
b) Normal for an older person to have cognitive problems while in the hospital
c) Mental changes are most likely caused by the infection and most often reversible
d) Drug therapy with antipsychotic agents is indicated to slow the progression of dementia

Answer 22

c) Mental changes are most likely caused by the infection and most often reversible

Question 23

Dementia and Alzheimer’s are

Answer 23

the same

Question 24

Which intervention would the nurse perform to support optimal memory function for a patient with dementia?

A) Restrain the patient when agitated
B) Remind the patient of current and forgotten events
C) Develop stimulating and meaningful therapeutic activities
D) Orient the patient to reality

Answer 24

C) Develop stimulating and meaningful therapeutic activities