A nurse is caring for a client who is confused and agitated.The nurse understands that the best method to determine if the client has reversible confusion is to use the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM).What is true regarding this diagnostic tool?
A) It consists of five parts and is a lengthy test.
B) It measures the severity of the client's delirium.
C) It is also effective in screening for depression.
D) It is effective in screening for cognitive impairment and reversible confusion.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A) The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a tool the nurse can use to differentiate between delirium and dementia. It consists of two parts; the first part screens for cognitive impairment and the second part screens for reversible confusion. Although it is effective in differentiating between delirium and dementia, it does not measure the severity of the client's delirium and it does not screen for depression.
B) The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a tool the nurse can use to differentiate between delirium and dementia. It consists of two parts; the first part screens for cognitive impairment and the second part screens for reversible confusion. Although it is effective in differentiating between delirium and dementia, it does not measure the severity of the client's delirium and it does not screen for depression.
C) The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a tool the nurse can use to differentiate between delirium and dementia. It consists of two parts; the first part screens for cognitive impairment and the second part screens for reversible confusion. Although it is effective in differentiating between delirium and dementia, it does not measure the severity of the client's delirium and it does not screen for depression.
D) The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) is a tool the nurse can use to differentiate between delirium and dementia. It consists of two parts; the first part screens for cognitive impairment and the second part screens for reversible confusion. Although it is effective in differentiating between delirium and dementia, it does not measure the severity of the client's delirium and it does not screen for depression.

A Nurse Is Caring for a Client Who Is Confused