The nurse is caring for a client with cognitive impairment. To determine whether the client is suffering from delirium or dementia, the nurse reviews the symptoms and course of each disorder. Place the letter A beside terms describing delirium and the letter B beside terms describing dementia.
-Rapid onset

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Onset of delirium is rapid, but of dementia is gradual. Duration of delirium is brief, but of dementia is progressing. Delirium affects only short-term memory. Dementia begins with short-term memory loss and progresses to long-term memory loss. Slurred speech is characteristic of delirium. Speech with dementia is unchanged until the client begins to develop aphasia. Visual and tactile hallucinations are common with delirium, but rarely experienced with dementia.

The Nurse Is Caring for a Client with Cognitive Impairment