The nurse is performing a health history with a client exhibiting signs of delirium. The nurse asks the client and family members about possible causes of the delirious state. Which would the nurse likely attribute as underlying causes for the client's delirium? Select all that apply.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Because the causes of delirium are often related to medical illness, alcohol, or other drugs, the nurse obtains a thorough history of these areas. The nurse may need to obtain information from family members if a client's ability to provide accurate data is impaired. Information about drugs should include prescribed medications, alcohol, illicit drugs, and over-the-counter medications. Physiologic or metabolic causes include hypoxemia, electrolyte disturbances, renal or hepatic failure, hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, dehydration, sleep deprivation, thyroid or glucocorticoid disturbances, thiamine or vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, vitamin C, niacin, or protein deficiency, cardiovascular shock, brain tumor, head injury, and exposure to gasoline, paint solvents, insecticides, and related substances. Infectious processes include sepsis, urinary tract infection, pneumonia, meningitis, encephalitis, HIV, and syphilis.

The Nurse Is Performing a Health History with a Client