Which statement best differentiates delirium from dementia in terminally ill patients?

Study for ELNEC 4: Symptom Management in Palliative Care Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Hints and explanations included! Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which statement best differentiates delirium from dementia in terminally ill patients?

Delirium stands out because it is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition that is often reversible when the underlying medical issue is addressed. In terminally ill patients, this acute, waxing and waning course helps differentiate delirium from dementia, which is a slow, progressive, chronic decline in memory and function that typically cannot be reversed. Delirium can improve when factors such as infection, dehydration, electrolyte problems, medication effects, or organ failure are treated, whereas dementia does not resolve with such interventions. The other statements don’t fit because delirium is not chronic and progressive, it is not caused by dementia (though dementia can coexist and increase risk for delirium), and it can change with appropriate management.

Delirium stands out because it is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and cognition that is often reversible when the underlying medical issue is addressed. In terminally ill patients, this acute, waxing and waning course helps differentiate delirium from dementia, which is a slow, progressive, chronic decline in memory and function that typically cannot be reversed. Delirium can improve when factors such as infection, dehydration, electrolyte problems, medication effects, or organ failure are treated, whereas dementia does not resolve with such interventions. The other statements don’t fit because delirium is not chronic and progressive, it is not caused by dementia (though dementia can coexist and increase risk for delirium), and it can change with appropriate management.

More practice questions