Question 1

In trying to make a differential diagnosis between delirium and dementia,which of the following would be accurate?

Accepted Answer

Delirium often involves hallucinations, while dementia rarely does. This is a key distinguishing feature between the two conditions. Delirium is characterized by acute confusion, disorientation, and a fluctuating level of consciousness, often with hallucinations. Dementia, on the other hand, is a chronic, progressive condition primarily marked by memory loss and cognitive decline, with hallucinations being less common.

Question 2

A group of medical students is learning the criteria used to diagnose neurocognitive disorders.The professor is discussing evidence of disturbances of consciousness along with changes in cognition,such as memory deficits,that occur rapidly.What type of disorder is being discussed?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms described are characteristic of delirium, which is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by disturbances of consciousness and cognition that develop rapidly. Dementia is a more gradual decline in cognitive function, while amnestic disorder primarily involves memory impairment. Depersonalization is a dissociative disorder that involves a distorted sense of self and the surroundings.

Question 3

The cognitive symptoms seen in dementia and delirium

Accepted Answer

Cognitive symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, and memory impairment are seen in other disorders as well, but they are not defining features. For example, depression, anxiety, and substance abuse can all cause these symptoms. However, in dementia and delirium, cognitive symptoms are a defining feature of the disorder.

Question 4

You are head of an assessment team that needs some testing to determine the level and type of cognitive impairment being experienced by your client.You call on the services of which type of team member for this assessment?

Accepted Answer

Neuropsychologists are specialized in the assessment of cognitive function, neuropsychological testing and diagnosis, and often work with clients who have experienced neurological injury or disease. Therefore, they are the most appropriate team member to conduct such assessments. Psychiatric social workers, psychiatrists, and psychiatric nurses are not specifically trained in neuropsychological assessment. While neuropsychiatrists have some training in neuropsychological assessment and treatment, they primarily focus on the interface between psychiatry and neurology.

Question 5

Last year,Bob was admitted and released from the hospital within two days.The diagnosis was a neurocognitive disorder.Since that time,he has held down a job as a carpenter.Which of the following disorders is most likely to have caused Bob's hospitalization?

Accepted Answer

Delirium is a condition that typically causes acute confusion and inattention, and it often arises as a result of an underlying medical condition or medication use. Bob's quick hospital admission and release, along with his ability to return to work as a carpenter, suggest that his condition was transient and not indicative of a chronic neurodegenerative disorder like dementia, Parkinson's disease, or Huntington's disease.

Question 6

After suffering a head injury in a car accident,Molly cannot remember anything that happened before the accident.What term will her physician use to describe her condition?

Accepted Answer

Retrograde amnesia is a type of memory loss where an individual is unable to recall events that occurred before their head injury or trauma. This is the most appropriate term to describe Molly's condition. Agnosia refers to difficulty recognizing or interpreting sensory information, while apraxia refers to difficulty performing purposeful movements. Dissociative amnesia is a type of memory loss caused by psychological trauma or stress.

Question 7

Your textbook states that the hallmark of dementia is

Accepted Answer

Memory loss is a hallmark of dementia, as it is a progressive decline in cognitive function that affects memory and other important mental processes. While other symptoms like aphasia (difficulty with language) or hallucinations may also occur with dementia, memory loss is the most distinct and pervasive aspect of the condition. Delirium is a state of acute confusion that is typically temporary and reversible, not a chronic condition like dementia.

Question 8

What is the most obvious problem during the beginning stages of dementia?

Accepted Answer

Anterograde amnesia, or difficulty forming new memories, is often one of the most noticeable problems during the beginning stages of dementia. Other symptoms may also be present, such as confusion, difficulty completing tasks, and changes in mood or behavior. However, anterograde amnesia is a hallmark symptom of dementia and may be one of the first things noticed by family members or healthcare providers.

Question 9

Your textbook presents the case of 84-year-old Mary.What was one of the first indications that Mary was suffering from dementia?

Accepted Answer

One of the first indications that Mary was suffering from dementia was that some of her animals were found dead because she forgot to feed them. This demonstrates a significant lapse in memory and cognitive functioning. Lack of self-care and neglect of responsibilities can be early signs of dementia.

Question 10

Forgetting to make a phone call or to pick up something from the store are

Accepted Answer

Forgetting to make a phone call or to pick up something from the store are common experiences and part of normal memory lapses, especially as we get older. It does not necessarily indicate any serious condition like delirium, dementia, or advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease.

Question 11

A television report described a case of a person who exhibited a disturbance in consciousness,memory deficits,and disorientation to time and place.If these symptoms developed within 24 hours,you believe the diagnosis is

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of disturbance in consciousness, memory deficits, and disorientation to time and place developing within a 24 hours period are characteristic of delirium. Apraxia refers to difficulty with performing purposeful actions. Dementia refers to a decline in cognitive abilities that is gradual and progressive. Amnestic disorder refers to significant impairment in memory.

Question 12

Among elderly psychiatric patients,neurocognitive disorders are the ________ disorders.

Accepted Answer

Neurocognitive disorders, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease, are more prevalent among elderly psychiatric patients than other psychiatric disorders such as depression or anxiety. This is due to the natural cognitive decline that occurs with age which puts seniors at risk for developing these types of disorders.

Question 13

Ms.Castle is in the early stages of dementia.Which of the following is most characteristic of the symptoms she is likely to exhibit?

Accepted Answer

Early stages of dementia are often characterized by short-term memory loss, such as forgetting recent events or conversations, which is why not remembering a new neighbor fits the description.

Question 14

Stanley is 65,and for the past couple of years he has been suffering from a gradual worsening of his memory,as well as experiencing some language difficulties and problems with his reasoning and decision making.What is the most likely diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The symptoms of gradual worsening of memory, language difficulties, and problems with reasoning and decision-making are all characteristic of dementia. Dementia is a term used to describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily functioning, and it is more common in older adults like Stanley. Delirium is a sudden onset of confusion and disorientation, while organic psychosis and schizophrenia are conditions that involve symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, which are not mentioned in Stanley's case.

Question 15

A 68-year-old man is brought to the emergency room by his family.Family members tell the physician that their relative has been confused,agitated,and exhibiting memory impairments.These symptoms developed in the last few days; he has no prior history of memory problems.Based on the family's information,the physician suspects the man is experiencing delirium.Which of the following questions would provide information that could confirm this diagnosis?

Accepted Answer

The question "Is he taking any medications at this time?" can provide important information as certain medications can cause delirium.

Question 16

Aphasia refers to various types of loss or impairment in

Accepted Answer

Aphasia is characterized by difficulties in the production and comprehension of language, including speaking, writing, reading, and understanding spoken language. It is typically caused by damage to the language areas of the brain, which can result from a stroke, head injury, or other neurological condition. Spatial ability and muscle coordination are not typically affected by aphasia, and neurotransmitter production is not directly related to language impairment.

Question 17

At the insistence of family members,you take your elderly grandfather to a general practice physician,who refers him to a neurologist.When you ask for a description of neurologists,the general practitioner tells you they are

Accepted Answer

Neurologists are physicians who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders of the brain and nervous system. They have extensive training in both the anatomy and functions of the nervous system, and they are experts in diagnosing conditions that affect the brain, spinal cord, nerves, and muscles. Unlike psychologists and psychiatrists, neurologists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications, perform procedures, and provide comprehensive medical management of neurological conditions.

Question 18

Typically the symptoms of delirium

Accepted Answer

Delirium is characterized by a rapid onset of symptoms that then fluctuate in severity throughout the day. This fluctuation is a key feature distinguishing delirium from other cognitive disorders, which may have a more gradual onset and steady progression.

Question 19

While hospitalized,Jack begins to show signs of delirium.Which of the following is a possible clue that leads his physician to suspect that Jack is experiencing delirium?

Accepted Answer

Fleeting perceptual disturbances, such as seeing things that are not there or hearing voices, are a common symptom of delirium. Paranoid delusions and slowed motor functions may also be present, but they are not necessarily specific to delirium. Sedation and emotional blunting may be a side effect of medication or a symptom of other psychiatric disorders.

Question 20

Which of the following is characteristic of delirium?

Accepted Answer

Delirium is a state of confusion and clouded consciousness. Individuals experiencing delirium may have difficulty focusing or paying attention, and their thinking may be disorganized or incoherent. Agnosia is a condition in which a person is unable to recognize objects, people, or sounds. Delusions refer to false beliefs that persist despite evidence to the contrary, and identity confusion refers to a state of uncertainty or doubt about one's personal identity.

Quiz 14: Neurocognitive Disorders