Question

During the change of shift report in the intensive care unit, the nurse learns that a client has developed signs of delirium over the past 8 hours. Which behavior documented in the nursing notes would be consistent with delirium?

a) Steady cognitive decline
b) Improved memory and concentration
c) Hallucinations and confusion
d) Normal speech and orientation

Answer 1

Hallucinations and confusion are behaviors consistent with delirium, a condition presenting with sudden onset memory loss and confusion, and it is distinct from the steady cognitive decline seen in dementia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The behavior documented in the nursing notes that would be consistent with This is a condition where a patient experiences disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, difficulty with planning and executing tasks, and sudden mood changes such as increased irritability. Unlike dementia, which is characterized by a steady cognitive decline, delirium develops rapidly and is often reversible with proper treatment. Hallucinations and confusion can also be indicative of a client experiencing neuroleptic side effects, which may manifest as reduced emotional display and difficulty responding to stimuli but without significant impairment of intellectual functions. However, if these symptoms of hallucinations and disorganization appear rapidly, they are more indicative of delirium rather than side effects of medication or cognitive disorders like dementia or Alzheimer's disease.