Week 7: Sherpath: Overview of Delirium
Questions and Verified Answers
A 77-year-old female patient with osteoarthritis is admitted to the ICU after an
emergency surgery. Which factors would make this patient at risk for developing
delirium?
Select all that apply.
A. Osteoarthritis
B. ICU environment
C. Age of the patient
D. Emergency surgery
E. Gender of the patient— Correct Answer: B, C and D
ICU environment
Delirium is a common occurrence in the hospitalized older adult. Sensory overload
and sleep deprivation in the ICU setting can precipitate delirium.
Age of the patient
Delirium is more common in adults over age 65, which is considered a risk factor.
Emergency surgery
Delirium can be triggered by a sudden change in physiological status, such as what
occurs during surgery.
, Which manifestations would cue the nurse to suspect the onset of delirium in a
patient?
Select all that apply.
A. Slurred speech
B. Inability to hear
C. Apathetic demeanor
D. Combative behavior
E. Difficulty following directions— Correct Answer: C, D and E
Apathetic demeanor
A patient with delirium may be apathetic to their surroundings and appear not to
care, which may be due to changes in emotions.
Combative behavior
A patient with delirium may exhibit a combative behavior resulting from changes
in emotions.
Difficulty following directions
A patient with delirium will have difficulty in following simple commands and
directions, which may be related to changes in attention and awareness.
A nurse is managing a patient who exhibits signs of delirium. Which
neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to the development of delirium in this
patient?
Questions and Verified Answers
A 77-year-old female patient with osteoarthritis is admitted to the ICU after an
emergency surgery. Which factors would make this patient at risk for developing
delirium?
Select all that apply.
A. Osteoarthritis
B. ICU environment
C. Age of the patient
D. Emergency surgery
E. Gender of the patient— Correct Answer: B, C and D
ICU environment
Delirium is a common occurrence in the hospitalized older adult. Sensory overload
and sleep deprivation in the ICU setting can precipitate delirium.
Age of the patient
Delirium is more common in adults over age 65, which is considered a risk factor.
Emergency surgery
Delirium can be triggered by a sudden change in physiological status, such as what
occurs during surgery.
, Which manifestations would cue the nurse to suspect the onset of delirium in a
patient?
Select all that apply.
A. Slurred speech
B. Inability to hear
C. Apathetic demeanor
D. Combative behavior
E. Difficulty following directions— Correct Answer: C, D and E
Apathetic demeanor
A patient with delirium may be apathetic to their surroundings and appear not to
care, which may be due to changes in emotions.
Combative behavior
A patient with delirium may exhibit a combative behavior resulting from changes
in emotions.
Difficulty following directions
A patient with delirium will have difficulty in following simple commands and
directions, which may be related to changes in attention and awareness.
A nurse is managing a patient who exhibits signs of delirium. Which
neurotransmitter imbalances contribute to the development of delirium in this
patient?
