Question

Which nursing diagnosis is most appropriate for an older adult client experiencing visual auditory hallucinations?

1) interrupted family processes
2) Ineffective role performance
3) Impaired verbal communication
4) Disturbed sensory perception

Answer 1

The nursing diagnosis that specifically pertains to visual and auditory hallucinations in an older adult is 'Disturbed sensory perception'. This diagnosis is the most direct in addressing the hallucinations, which are not based on reality and can stem from various conditions including mental health issues or medication side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most appropriate nursing diagnosis for an older adult client experiencing visual and auditory hallucinations is 'Disturbed sensory perception'. This diagnosis directly addresses the sensory experiences that are not based in reality, which encompass the visual and auditory hallucinations. Conditions such as schizophrenia, dementia, delirium, or even side effects from medications can cause this type of sensory disturbance. It is important for the diagnosis to reflect the primary issue the patient is experiencing.

Other diagnoses such as 'interrupted family processes', 'ineffective role performance', and 'impaired verbal communication' may also be relevant depending on the broader context of the patient's condition, but they do not specifically focus on the hallucinations. If associated symptoms include disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, or problems with planning and executing tasks, these might indicate underlying conditions such as dementia or delirium which would further support the diagnosis of 'Disturbed sensory perception'.