Question

An 84-year-old client who is usually alert and oriented experiences an acute cognitive decline. Which of the following factors would the nurse anticipate as contributing to this neurologic change? (Select all that apply.)

A.Chronic hearing loss
B.Hypoxia
C.Infection
D.Drug Toxicity

Answer 1

Factors contributing to acute cognitive decline in an elderly patient could include hypoxia, infection, and drug toxicity. Chronic hearing loss may exacerbate the condition but is less likely to be a direct cause of acute symptoms.

Step-by-step explanation:

An 84-year-old client experiencing an acute cognitive decline might have several contributing factors. Amongst these, a nurse would typically anticipate hypoxia, infection, and drug toxicity to be likely culprits. Chronic hearing loss, while impactful on cognitive function over time, is less likely to cause an acute cognitive decline but should not be completely disregarded as a factor exacerbating other conditions.

As people age, they are at higher risk for various health issues, including those that affect cognition. Damage to the nervous system can lead to significant signs of neurological impairment, and these can arise from both chronic conditions and acute events like stroke. Infections and hypoxia, which is a deficiency in the amount of oxygen reaching the tissues, are acute conditions that can precipitate sudden cognitive changes. Drug toxicity can also lead to changes in mental status, especially in the elderly whose metabolism and excretion of drugs may be compromised.