Question

exam : the 3 ds: delirium, dementia, and depression

1. how long does a person need to show signs and symptoms to be diagnosed with depression?

for at least 2 weeks
for several years
for any amount of time
for just a few hours

1. what might you notice in a person who has a new onset of depression?

a decline in performing activities of daily living
asking for a second helping at dinner
refusal to drink any liquids with meals
an increase in activity participation

1. which is not a finding with delirium?

sudden confusion to time and place
performing one action repeatedly
talking sensibly and coherently
changes in mental function throughout the day

1. you are providing care for a person with dementia who suddenly appears confused, disoriented, and has incoherent speech. these are new behaviors for the individual. what action should you take?

attempt to give the person a drink of water.
notify the nurse of this change.
continue providing care to the person.
check on the person after your break to see if the confusion is gone.

1. which of the three ds is characterized by an onset that occurs rapidly over hours or days?

dementia
depression
delirium
diabetes

Explanation:

1. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM - 5), for a diagnosis of depression, symptoms must be present for at least 2 weeks.
2. Depression often leads to a decline in performing activities of daily living due to lack of energy, motivation, and changes in mood.
3. Delirium is characterized by acute confusion, disorganized thinking, and changes in consciousness. Talking sensibly and coherently is not a feature of delirium.
4. In a care - giving setting, when a person with dementia shows new symptoms like confusion, disorientation, and incoherent speech, it is important to notify the nurse as these could be signs of a medical emergency (such as delirium superimposed on dementia).
5. Delirium has a rapid onset, usually over hours or days, while dementia has a more gradual onset (usually months to years) and depression also typically has a more insidious onset compared to delirium. Diabetes is not one of the "3 D's".

Answer:

1. For at least 2 weeks
2. A decline in performing activities of daily living
3. Talking sensibly and coherently
4. Notify the nurse of this change
5. Delirium