NURS 315 CHAPTER 28 EXAM QUESTIONS AND VERIFIED
DETAILED ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
Delirium-Answer acute confusion, generally reversible, is considered a medical
emergency, want to question what is causing it.
Dementia -Answer generally irreversible, progressive impairment in cognition function,
kisunla, lecanemab --> drugs to slow down the process
Mild cognitive impairment -Answer transitional stage between normal cognitive aging
and dementia in which the person has short term impairment and challenges with
complex cognitive function
Sundowner syndrome -Answer nocturnal confusion
4 Ms model - What's important
Medication
Mentation
Mobility
Delirium - What is it Acute confusion, usually reversible
•Causes - can be acute or emergent condition --> The sooner it's detected and treated
the better the patient outcome.
•Signs and symptoms: Rapid and altered level of consciousness, disturbed intellectual
function
, •Nursing assessment - refer to 28-1 Assessment Guide
•Is there a past history of psychiatric disorder?
•Symptoms may be overlooked as nurses assume it just another old patient with
dementia.
•Prompt treatment may reverse condition and prevent permanent damage.
Treatment/management
•Depends on the cause (stabilize blood sugar, correcting hydration/electrolytes,
treating infection)
•Primary goal: medically stabilize patient and limit stimulation. (limited # of people)
•Protect safety of the patient
Communicate with family
Provide support and explanation.
Potential causes of delirium - Answer - fluid/electrolyte imbalances
- medications
- congestive heart failure
- hyperglycemia and hypothermia
-hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
hypothyroidism
decreased cardiac function
decreased respiratory function
CNS disturbances
emotional stress
pain
infection
hypotension
DETAILED ANSWERS LATEST UPDATE
Delirium-Answer acute confusion, generally reversible, is considered a medical
emergency, want to question what is causing it.
Dementia -Answer generally irreversible, progressive impairment in cognition function,
kisunla, lecanemab --> drugs to slow down the process
Mild cognitive impairment -Answer transitional stage between normal cognitive aging
and dementia in which the person has short term impairment and challenges with
complex cognitive function
Sundowner syndrome -Answer nocturnal confusion
4 Ms model - What's important
Medication
Mentation
Mobility
Delirium - What is it Acute confusion, usually reversible
•Causes - can be acute or emergent condition --> The sooner it's detected and treated
the better the patient outcome.
•Signs and symptoms: Rapid and altered level of consciousness, disturbed intellectual
function
, •Nursing assessment - refer to 28-1 Assessment Guide
•Is there a past history of psychiatric disorder?
•Symptoms may be overlooked as nurses assume it just another old patient with
dementia.
•Prompt treatment may reverse condition and prevent permanent damage.
Treatment/management
•Depends on the cause (stabilize blood sugar, correcting hydration/electrolytes,
treating infection)
•Primary goal: medically stabilize patient and limit stimulation. (limited # of people)
•Protect safety of the patient
Communicate with family
Provide support and explanation.
Potential causes of delirium - Answer - fluid/electrolyte imbalances
- medications
- congestive heart failure
- hyperglycemia and hypothermia
-hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
hypothyroidism
decreased cardiac function
decreased respiratory function
CNS disturbances
emotional stress
pain
infection
hypotension
