Asked by Bailey Gardenhire on Jun 03, 2024

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An older adult takes digoxin and hydrochlorothiazide daily, as well as lorazepam (Ativan) as needed for anxiety. Over 2 days, this adult developed confusion, slurred speech, an unsteady gait, and fluctuating levels of orientation. These findings are most characteristic of:

A) delirium.
B) dementia.
C) amnestic syndrome.
D) Alzheimer disease.

Lorazepam

A medication primarily used to treat anxiety disorders, acting as a sedative and calming agent by affecting the brain and nerves.

Digoxin

A medication used to treat heart conditions by increasing the efficiency of the heart and controlling its rate.

Hydrochlorothiazide

A diuretic medication frequently used to treat high blood pressure and fluid retention by helping the body eliminate excess salt and water.

  • Detect the symptoms and make a distinction between delirium and dementia.
  • Evaluate the effects of medication on patients with cognitive disorders.
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ZK
Zybrea KnightJun 09, 2024
Final Answer :
A
Explanation :
Delirium is characterized by an abrupt onset of fluctuating levels of awareness, clouded consciousness, perceptual disturbances, and disturbed memory and orientation. The onset of dementia or Alzheimer disease, a type of dementia, is more insidious. Amnestic syndrome involves memory impairment without other cognitive problems.