ATI LPN
Psychiatric Nursing: Contemporary Practice 6th Edition
Chapter 38 : Neurocognitive Disorders Questions
Question 1 of 5
An older adult client is brought to the emergency department after ingesting an unknown substance. The client, who appears to have dementia, has tremors, ataxia of the upper and lower extremities, depression, and confusion. The nurse suspects ingestion of which of the following?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Mercury poisoning can cause tremors, ataxia, depression, and confusion, particularly in older adults with dementia, as it affects the central nervous system. Lead (
A) primarily causes cognitive and gastrointestinal issues, aluminum (
B) is less associated with acute neurological symptoms, and manganese (
C) typically causes parkinsonism-like symptoms but is less likely to cause depression.
Question 2 of 5
An adolescent client is seen in the emergency department with symptoms of dementia, tremors, and ataxia. The client had been sniffing glue with a friend. The nurse suspects the client?s symptoms were caused by poisoning with which of the following?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale:
Toluene, a solvent found in glue, is a common cause of neurological symptoms like dementia-like confusion, tremors, and ataxia in cases of inhalant abuse. Mercury (
A) and lead (
B) cause different symptom profiles, and arsenic (
D) typically presents with gastrointestinal and systemic symptoms, not primarily neurological.
Question 3 of 5
The nurse is assessing a client who has received a tentative diagnosis of delirium. The nurse is explaining to the family about the major cause of the client?s condition. Which statement by the nurse would be most appropriate?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of altered consciousness and cognitive impairment, distinguishing it from dementia, which develops gradually. Option A is incorrect, as speech issues are not the primary diagnostic criterion. Option B describes dementia, not delirium. Option D assumes an infectious cause without evidence.
Question 4 of 5
As part of a follow-up home visit to an 80-year-old client who has had surgery, the nurse discusses the client?s risk for delirium with his family members. Which of the following would the nurse include as placing the client at increased risk? Select all that apply.
Correct Answer: A,C,E
Rationale: Urinary tract infections (
A), acute stress (
C), and dehydration (E) are well-established risk factors for delirium in older adults, particularly post-surgery, as they disrupt physiological homeostasis. Hypertension (
B) is a chronic condition not directly linked to delirium unless acute. Bone fractures (
D) may contribute indirectly via pain or immobility but are less direct. Electrolyte balance (F) is not a risk factor; imbalance is.
Question 5 of 5
The nurse is caring for a client diagnosed with delirium who has been brought for treatment by his son. While taking the client?s history, which question would be most appropriate for the nurse to ask the client?s son?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Medications are a common cause of delirium, particularly in older adults, due to polypharmacy or side effects. Asking about recent medications (
A) is most appropriate to identify potential triggers. Falls or head injuries (
B) and strokes (
C) are relevant but less common causes. Major losses (
D) are more associated with depression than delirium.