Question

a nurse is collecting data from an older adult client who fell at home and is disoriented to time, place, and person. which of the following findings should indicate to the nurse that the client is experiencing delirium? the client is experiencing rapid mood swings. the client is awake and alert. the clients confusion began 5 months ago. the client is experiencing auditory hallucinations.

Explanation:

Delirium is an acute (sudden - onset) disturbance of consciousness and attention. It often has a fluctuating course. Hallucinations (especially visual, but also auditory) are a common feature of delirium. Mood swings can occur in other mental health conditions (like bipolar disorder) but are not as specific to delirium as hallucinations. A client with delirium is not typically awake and alert (they have a disturbance in consciousness). Delirium has an acute onset (usually hours to days), so a confusion that began 5 months ago is more likely to be due to a chronic condition like dementia.

Answer:

The client is experiencing auditory hallucinations.