Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

What risk factor should the nurse explain to the client’s family members regarding delirium in elderly patients?

1. Urinary incontinence

2. Bone fractures

3. Recent vaccinations

4. Social isolation

The correct answer is: Bone fractures

The correct answer highlights bone fractures as a significant risk factor for delirium in elderly patients. Older adults frequently experience bone fractures, often due to falls or declines in mobility as a consequence of underlying health issues. These injuries can lead to substantial physical distress, prolonged hospital stays, and disruptions in routine, all of which may contribute to the onset of delirium. Delirium is characterized by an acute change in cognition and is often triggered by multiple factors, including medical conditions, medications, or stressors like pain from fractures. The stress of an injury and subsequent hospitalization can exacerbate confusion and disorientation, making this connection important for families to understand. Other options, while relevant to general health and well-being, do not directly correlate with the immediate physiological stressors that can lead to delirium in the context of elderly patients. For instance, urinary incontinence and social isolation may affect a patient's quality of life and mental health but are less directly related to acute cognitive changes. Recent vaccinations do not typically have an established link with delirium in elderly patients. Thus, focusing on the risk of bone fractures can provide a more tangible and immediate context for families concerned about the health of their elderly loved ones.