The nurse is admitting an older adult patient to the emergency department (ED) with a change in mental status with recent and remote memory loss. The family tells the nurse the patient's forgetfulness has gotten progressively worse over the past 6 months. Which diagnosis does the nurse anticipate for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of progressive forgetfulness and memory loss over six months suggest dementia, which is characterized by a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning abilities. Delirium typically presents with acute confusion and fluctuating mental status, depression may involve memory issues but is primarily characterized by persistent sadness or loss of interest, and anxiety involves excessive worry or fear, not primarily memory loss.

The Nurse Is Admitting an Older Adult Patient to the Emergency