Question

A nurse is performing a cognitive assessment to distinguish delirium from dementia in a client whose family reports episodes of confusion. Which of the following assessment finding supports the nurses suspicion of delirium

a.Slow onsetDelirium has an acute onset. Dementia is a slow, progressive decline.
b.AphasiaAphasia is a manifestation of dementia.
c.ConfabulationConfabulation is a manifestation of dementia.
d.Easily distractedMY ANSWERExtreme distractibility is a hallmark manifestation of delirium.

Answer 1

Extreme distractibility is closely associated with delirium, which is marked by sudden and fluctuating cognitive changes, unlike the gradual symptoms of dementia.

Step-by-step explanation:

In distinguishing delirium from dementia, a nurse conducting a cognitive assessment would consider several symptoms. A finding that supports the suspicion of delirium is extreme distractibility. Delirium is characterized by an acute onset in contrast to the slow, progressive decline seen in dementia. Other symptoms of dementia, such as disruptive memory loss, difficulty planning or executing tasks, and changes in language and speech, develop gradually and reflect the condition's progressive nature. Extreme distractibility, however, is more associated with the sudden and fluctuating cognitive changes typical of delirium, where attention and focus can rapidly shift, making it hard for the individual to stay on task or follow a conversation.