Dementia and Delirium

Vascular dementia is associated with: a. transient ischemic attacks b. bacterial or viral infection of neuronal tissue c. cognitive changes secondary to cardiovascular disease d. abrupt changes in cognitive function that are irreversible

c

What nursing action has the highest priority for a client with delirium?

creating a calm and safe environment

A sudden transient state of confusion is called

delirium

Difficulty communicating with writing

dysgraphia

Dementia is part of normal aging? true or false

false

What initial nursing intervention would the nurse take for an older adult with delirium who begins acting out while in the dayroom?

giving the client on simple direction at a time in a firm, low-pitched voice

Aging interventions

-Always reorient person -Do not play into delusion -Avoid confrontation -Speak slowly, clearly, repetitively, warmly softly and in soothing voice -Avoid arguments criticism, and discussions

What are diagnostic studies for delirium?

-Determine underlying cause -Psych history and physical assessment -CAM assessment -Lab tests - CBC, electrolytes, EKG, UA, liver and thyroid function, O2 sat -Drug and alcohol misuse -Infection - urine, CSF, CXR, CBC -CT or MRI - head injury only

Initial/mild manifestations of Alzheimer's disease

-Memory loss - abnormal forgetfulness, ST memory loss -Impatient -Lack of initiative and interest

Moderate manifestations of Alzheimer's disease

-Memory loss and confusion more obvious to others -Help with ADLs, episodes of incontinence -Behavioral problems, delusions, hallucinations -Agitated or restless and begins to wander

Severe manifestations of Alzheimer's disease

-Severe impairment of all cognitive functions -Language and speech problems -Incontinence• Immobility - loss of motor skills -May have problems swallowing and eating -Unable to perform self-care activities

The client, who has severe Alzheimer's dementia, can no longer recognize familiar objects such as glasses and toothbrush. What is this term called?

Agnosia

Donepezil is prescribed for a client who has mild dementia of the Alzheimer type. What information would the nurse include when discussing this medication with the client and family?

Blood tests that reflect liver function will be performed routinely

Dementia is defined as a A. syndrome that results only in memory loss. B. disease associated with abrupt changes in behavior. C. disease that is always due to reduced blood flow to the brain. D. syndrome characterized by cognitive dysfunction and loss of memory.

D. syndrome characterized by cognitive dysfunction and loss of memory

Which of these are types of dementia? a. alzheimer's disease b. vascular c. lewy body d. frontotemporal

a, b, c, d

An older adult experiencing delirium suffers from a leg fracture caused by a fall. Which interventions would the nurse follow to prevent future falls? a. Minimize sedation medications b. Modify home environment c. Manage foot and footwear problems d. put a commode next to him wherever he goes

a, b, d

The home health care nurse visits an older adult couple living independently. The wife cares for the husband, who has dementia. Which interventions would the nurse implement for them? a. Assess the wife for caregiver burden b. Assess the husband for signs of physical abuse c. Identify social support within the community

a, b,c

An elderly client with severe dementia is not able to communicate the most basic needs. How may the nurse improve the clients comfort? Select all that apply a. assess the client for pain regularly b. increase observation of the client c. establish a toileting schedule d. ask the client what he wants the room temperature at e. tell the client he needs to speak clearer

a,b,c

The inability to recall names of objects

anomia

Problems with speaking is called

aphasia

The inability to perform meaningful acts

apraxia

What is an intervention that the nurse would include in a care plan for a client with dementia who wanders?

avoid loud music, television, and glaring lights

A client diagnosed with delirium becomes disoriented and confused at night. What interventions should the nurse implement initially? a. Move the client next to the nurse's station b. Use an indirect light source and turn off the television c. Keep the television and a soft light on during the night d. Play soft music during the night and keep a well-lit room

b

A resident who has trouble with memory loss, slepping, cannot dress themselves easy, and sometimes gets lost walking around in the community is most likely in what stage of dementia? a. early stage (mild) b. middle stage (moderate) c. late stage (severe)

b. middle stage (moderate)

An older client with Alzheimer type dementia, consistently sleeps in a semi-Fowler position in bed. Which area of the client's body would the nurse consider a high risk for developing a pressure injury?

sacrum

What is a description of a symptom that is consistent with dementia of the Alzheimer's type?

symptoms reflect progressive disintegration

A movement disorder associated with traditional antipsychotics

tardive dyskinesia

What is a need that would be essential in clients who have dementia?

to have sameness and consistency in the environment

Delirium is secondary to underlying medical conditions. True or false

true

No cure for Alzheimer's Disease. True or false

true