Question 1

Ms.Martin,an 89-year-old hospital inpatient,has had six room changes in the last two weeks.Considering the results of research into the effects of environmental factors on the cognitive functioning of the hospitalized elderly,what disorder would Ms.Martin likely begin to demonstrate?

Accepted Answer

The frequent room changes could be causing disruptions to Ms. Martin's sleep and circadian rhythms, leading to confusion, disorientation, and other symptoms of delirium. Research shows that environmental factors, such as noise level, lighting, and unfamiliar surroundings, can significantly impact the cognitive functioning of elderly hospital patients and increase their risk of developing delirium. Amnestic disorder and Alzheimer's disease are typically more gradual in onset and not necessarily related to environmental factors. Neurocognitive disorder is a broad term that could encompass any number of cognitive impairments, but given the specific context of this scenario, delirium appears to be the most likely diagnosis.

Question 2

Why are cognitive disorders included in a textbook on abnormal psychology?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive disorders are included in abnormal psychology because they often involve significant changes in behavior and personality, which are key areas of interest in understanding psychological abnormalities.

Question 3

How does delirium differ from neurocognitive disorder?

Accepted Answer

D

Question 4

What does an episode of delirium often indicate?

Accepted Answer

An episode of delirium often indicates the presence of a medical condition that is causing the brain to dysfunction. Delirium can be a symptom of a wide range of medical issues, such as infections, medication side effects, metabolic imbalances, and brain injuries.

Question 5

What is one major difference between neurocognitive disorder caused by Alzheimer's disease and neurocognitive disorder caused by depression?

Accepted Answer

Neurocognitive disorder due to Alzheimer's disease is not reversible, while neurocognitive disorder due to depression can often be improved or resolved with proper treatment of the underlying depression.

Question 6

Karl is in the hospital for delirium.What can Karl's family do to help his recovery?

Accepted Answer

Surrounding Karl with familiar belongings can help him feel more comfortable and reduce anxiety. Excluding Karl from medical decisions could increase anxiety and feelings of helplessness. Moving Karl to a new hospital room could be disorienting and increase confusion. Restraint should only be used as a last resort for safety concerns and can potentially worsen delirium symptoms.

Question 7

What is one of the distinguishing characteristics between disability due to cognitive functions and disability due to psychological conditions?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is one of the distinguishing characteristics...

Question 8

Paul's father has delirium.Paul has two choices,admit his father to the hospital or try to wait out the delirium at home.Which option should Paul choose and why?

Accepted Answer

Admitting the father to the hospital would be the best option because in hospital recovery is associated with better long-term outcomes. Delirium is a serious medical condition that can be caused by various factors, such as infections or medication side effects. In a hospital setting, the father can receive proper medical attention and monitoring, which can reduce the risk of complications and improve his chances of a faster recovery. Additionally, hospitalization can also provide opportunities to identify and address any underlying health issues that may have contributed to the delirium.

Question 9

Why is the term "organic mental disorder" no longer used to describe cognitive disorders?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the term "organic mental disorder"...

Question 10

What causes most cognitive disorders?

Accepted Answer

Brain dysfunction is the most common cause of cognitive disorders. This can be due to various reasons such as neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, stroke, infections, and other medical conditions that affect the brain. Prescription drug interactions can also cause cognitive impairment, but it is not the primary cause. Frontal lobe head injury is a specific type of brain dysfunction that can cause cognitive disorders, but it is not the most common cause. While the normal process of aging can lead to some cognitive decline, it is not a disorder unless it affects daily functioning.

Question 11

Compared to younger people,what are those over age 65 more likely to experience difficulty with?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compared to younger people,what are those over...

Question 12

Which of following is NOT a common cause of delirium?

Accepted Answer

While dietary factors can affect cognitive function, they are not a common cause of delirium. Medical conditions, intoxication by drugs, and head trauma are all frequent causes of delirium.

Question 13

Ted has been admitted to the hospital with delirium.Ted's doctor thinks the delirium was caused by a medication Ted takes.Ted takes several medications,which ones is the doctor probably most concerned about?

Accepted Answer

Medications with anticholinergic effects are known to cause delirium in older adults. They can interfere with the activity of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that is important for cognitive function. Neuroleptic medications (choice A) can also cause delirium, but are more commonly associated with movement disorders. Cholinergic medications (choice B) actually increase the activity of acetylcholine and are not typically associated with delirium. Extra-pyramidal medications (choice C) also affect movement and are not directly related to delirium.

Question 14

Helen has had impaired consciousness over the last two days.She had not had symptoms of illness before this.What condition does Helen most likely have?

Accepted Answer

Helen most likely has delirium, which is a sudden change in mental status that is often caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. Neurocognitive disorder, Alzheimer's disease, and amnestic disorder are all types of dementia, which typically have a more gradual onset and progression of symptoms.

Question 15

Jim is being treated for delirium in the hospital.The doctor asks Jim's son how the symptoms developed.What will Jim's son say?

Accepted Answer

Delirium is a sudden change in mental status with symptoms that develop quickly, usually over hours or days. Option A and B mention a gradual onset over weeks or months, and option D mentions a slow onset over several years, none of which are consistent with delirium.

Question 16

Mr.Smith (age 72)is brought to the hospital emergency room.His son explains that his father woke up this morning and was "not himself." Mr.Smith was confused,agitated,and a bit frightened.He did not know his own name and could not recognize his son.His son reports that he had been completely fine,with no symptoms,prior to that morning.What does Mr.Smith appear to be suffering from?

Accepted Answer

Mr.Smith appears to be suffering from delirium, as he is exhibiting acute confusion and disorientation that came on suddenly without any previous symptoms. Amnestic disorder is characterized by memory loss, but Mr.Smith is displaying confusion and delirium beyond mere memory loss. Neurocognitive disorder may involve confusion and disorientation, but it is typically a chronic condition that develops over time rather than appearing suddenly. Alzheimer's disease may involve confusion and memory loss, but the sudden onset of symptoms is more indicative of delirium.

Question 17

Which of the following factors can trigger delirium?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following factors can trigger...

Question 18

Serge has been admitted to the hospital with delirium brought on by withdrawal from alcohol.What medication will his doctor likely prescribe to help treat the delirium?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Serge has been admitted to the hospital...

Question 19

Alice is being discharged from the hospital after being treated for delirium.How long did it take to treat her symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Delirium is a fluctuating, acute confusion state that typically requires medical intervention and is usually treated for about a week in a hospital setting.

Question 20

When do most instances of delirium,neurocognitive disorder,and amnestic disorders develop?

Accepted Answer

Most instances of delirium, neurocognitive disorder, and amnestic disorders typically develop in late adulthood when cognition is not functioning normally. While aging is a risk factor for neurocognitive disorders, they are not a normal part of the aging process. Brainstem injuries and complications at birth may result in cognitive deficits, but they are not the most common causes of these disorders.

Quiz 15: Neurocognitive Disorders