Psychosocial IntegrityQuestion 1484 of 2368
An older client arrives with new confusion, and no family member or record can tell the nurse the client's usual mental status. How should the nurse proceed?
- Assume the confusion is delirium and assess thoroughly for underlying causes
- Assume the confusion is dementia and begin to plan for the client's long-term care
- Assume the confusion is a normal sign of aging and monitor the client's condition
- Wait several days to see whether the confusion resolves before doing an assessment
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Correct answer: Assume the confusion is delirium and assess thoroughly for underlying causes
Without a known baseline, assuming delirium is the safe choice because delirium has treatable causes that need prompt assessment.
Source: Nursing Fundamentals, 2nd edition (Open RN, Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2024), Cognitive Impairments: Comparison of Three Conditions. Licensed under CC BY 4.0.
Practice the topic "Psychosocial Integrity"Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026