In reviewing changes in the older adult, the nurse recognizes that which of the following ...

ANS: 3
Delirium is a potentially reversible cognitive impairment that is often due to a physiological cause such as an electrolyte imbalance, cerebral anoxia, hypoglycemia, medications, tumors, cerebro-vascular infection, or hemorrhage. Delirium is not always easily distinguishable from irreversible dementia. Because of the close resemblance between delirium and dementia, the presence of de-lirium must be ruled out whenever dementia is suspected. The cause of senile dementia (e.g., Alzheimer's disease) is not known. Medications and drug effects can cause delirium. Dementia is not an inevitable outcome of aging.