In the assessment of older-adult clients, it is often difficult to dis

In the assessment of older-adult clients, it is often difficult to discriminate between delirium and dementia. Delirium is characterized by:

1. A slow progression
2. Lasting months to years
3. A normal state of alertness
4. Occurrences at twilight or darkness

ANSWER

ANS: 4
Delirium is characterized by short, diurnal fluctuations in symptoms and is worse at night, in darkness, and on awakening. Delirium has an abrupt onset. Dementia has a slow progression. De-lirium lasts hours to less than 1 month, seldom longer. Dementia may last months to years. Delir-ium is characterized by fluctuating alertness; the client may be lethargic or hypervigilant. Alert-ness is generally normal with dementia.