RN Exam Practice
Physiological AdaptationQuestion 286 of 2368

A client near the end of life, taking an opioid, develops new confusion and hallucinations. Which cause should the nurse consider first?

  1. Medication effect, including opioid toxicity
  2. Excess fluid intake over the last several days
  3. Vitamin deficiency from poor nutritional intake
  4. Recent physical activity and increased exertion
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Correct answer: Medication effect, including opioid toxicity

The most common cause of delirium at end of life is medication, and delirium can be caused by opioid toxicity.

Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Grief and Loss: Cognitive Changes. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.

Practice the topic "Physiological Adaptation"

Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026