A new nurse asks what the difference is between dementia and delirium. The best response is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

While both dementia and delirium involve cognitive impairment, there are key differences. Delirium is typically an acute, temporary state of confusion that can occur suddenly, often in hospitalized or medically ill clients over the age of 60. It can be caused by a variety of factors such as medication side effects, infections, or metabolic imbalances. In contrast, dementia is a progressive, chronic condition that involves a decline in memory, thinking, and behavior over time. Knowing these differences is important for nurses as they assess and care for their patients.

A New Nurse Asks What the Difference Is Between Dementia