In reviewing changes in the older adult, the nurse recognizes that whi

In reviewing changes in the older adult, the nurse recognizes that which of the following state-ments related to cognitive functioning in the older client is true?

1. Delirium is usually easily distinguished from irreversible dementia.
2. Therapeutic drug intoxication is a common cause of senile dementia.
3. Reversible systemic disorders are often implicated as a cause of delirium.
4. Cognitive deterioration is an inevitable outcome of the human aging process.

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Delirium is a potentially reversible cognitive impairment that is often due to a physiological cause such as an electrolyte imbalance, cerebral anoxia, hypoglycemia, medications, tumors, cerebro-vascular infection, or hemorrhage. Delirium is not always easily distinguishable from irreversible dementia. Because of the close resemblance between delirium and dementia, the presence of de-lirium must be ruled out whenever dementia is suspected. The cause of senile dementia (e.g., Alzheimer’s disease) is not known. Medications and drug effects can cause delirium. Dementia is not an inevitable outcome of aging.