ANCC-GERO-BC Exam

Question 1. (Single Select) A 92 -year-old patient hospitalized for pneumonia was alert and responsive on admission but has begun to have fluctuating periods of confusion, language disturbance, audiovisual hallucinations, and impaired ability to sustain attention. The gerontological nurse recognizes these signs as common to: A: Impending stroke B: Alzheimer's disease C: Delirium D: Schizophrenia Correct Answer: C Explanation: If a 92-year-old patient hospitalized for pneumonia was alert and responsive on admission but has begun to have fluctuating periods of confusion, language disturbance, audiovisual hallucinations, and impaired ability to sustain attention, the gerontological nurse should recognize these signs as common to delirium. Delirium occurs in up to 40% of hospitalized older adults and 80% of dying patients. The confusion assessment method is a tool used to assess delirium.