Asked by Hamad Fakhro on Jul 05, 2024
Verified
A patient has been in the intensive care unit for 10 days. He has just been moved to the medical-surgical unit, and the admitting nurse is planning to perform a mental status examination. What should the nurse expect during this patient's tests of cognitive function?
A) May display some disruption in thought content.
B) Will state, "I am so relieved to be out of intensive care."
C) Will be oriented to place and person, but the patient may not be certain of the date.
D) May show evidence of some clouding of his level of consciousness.
Cognitive Function
The mental processes involved in gaining knowledge and comprehension, including thinking, knowing, remembering, judging, and problem-solving.
Intensive Care Unit
A specialized department in a hospital that provides intensive treatment medicine for people who are critically ill or injured.
Medical-Surgical Unit
A hospital floor or ward specialized in the treatment of patients who require medical care, surgery, or both.
- Acknowledge the signs of cognitive deterioration and how to appraise them.
- Grasp the concept of consciousness levels and their clinical significance.
Verified Answer
ZK
Zybrea KnightJul 10, 2024
Final Answer :
C
Explanation :
The nurse can discern the orientation of cognitive function through the course of the interview or can directly and tactfully ask, "Some people have trouble keeping up with the dates while in the hospital. Do you know today's date?" Many hospitalized people have trouble with the exact date but are fully oriented on the remaining items.
Learning Objectives
- Acknowledge the signs of cognitive deterioration and how to appraise them.
- Grasp the concept of consciousness levels and their clinical significance.