1. The family of a patient with Alzheimer disease asks the nurse, "When will my mother quit being so confused?" On what information regarding dementia should the nurse base a response? a. It is a short-term confusional state that is typically reversible. b. It is a state of confusion caused primarily by medications. c. It is a state of confusion that usually begins abruptly and lasts a short period. d. It is a syndrome that is chronic and irreversible. {Ans: } ANS: D Alzheimer disease is a type of dementia that is chronic and irreversible. Delirium is a short-term confusional state that has a sudden onset and is typically reversible. DIF: Cognitive Level: Knowledge REF: p. 336 OBJ: 1 TOP: Dementia KEY: Nursing Process Step: Implementation2. A nurse is admitting a patient who has been diagnosed as having confusion. What is the most important observation that the nurse should make regarding this patient? a. Eating, drinking, and sleeping patterns b. Behavior, orientation, memory, and sleeping habits c. Urinary and bowel elimination habits d. Talking, walking, and sleeping patterns {Ans: } ANS: B The first step in assessing a confusional state is to observe the patient's behavior, orientation, memory, and sleeping