Question

In the assessment of older-adult clients, it is often difficult to discriminate between delirium and dementia. Delirium is characterized by:

1. A slow progression
2. Lasting months to years
3. A normal state of alertness
4. Occurrences at twilight or darkness

Answer 1

Delirium is characterized by abrupt onset, short duration, altered state of alertness, and occurrence at any time. Dementia is a progressive cognitive decline with symptoms such as memory loss and personality changes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Delirium and dementia can be difficult to differentiate in older-adult clients. Delirium is characterized by:

1. Abrupt onset and fluctuating course
2. Short duration, lasting hours to weeks
3. An altered state of alertness, ranging from hyperactive to hypoactive
4. Occurrence at any time

Dementia, on the other hand, is a progressive cognitive decline that includes symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, difficulty with planning, and personality changes. It has a slow onset and lasts for months to years.