The nurse should complete a detailed cognitive assessment on an elderly client before surgery because (Select all that apply)
A) confusion and psychosis are commonly seen in postoperative elderly clients.
B) elders often experience intraoperative strokes.
C) neurologic changes resulting from surgery can last longer in an older client.
D) temporarily impaired cognition can be mistaken for a neurologic event.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The effects of an operation and its associated medications can cause temporary cognitive deficits that can be mistakenly attributed to permanent conditions in the elderly, such as stroke or dementia. These temporary changes are seen in most clients and are considered normal, but may last longer in an elderly client than in younger clients. The nurse should conduct and document a thorough neurologic status exam preoperatively, and nurses who encounter the client postoperatively should use those data as a baseline. Psychosis is not a common condition seen in the elderly, nor do they experience intraoperative strokes on a frequent basis.

The Nurse Should Complete a Detailed Cognitive Assessment on an Elderly