NCLEX-PN

Underlying Factors Disturbed thought processes can result from various factors , including delirium, dementia, closed head injuries, and neurological events like cerebral tumors or strokes. Dementia is a syndrome involving a collection of signs and symptoms that hinder cognitive function and daily living. Unlike delirium, it is not reversible , often attributed to conditions such as organic brain syndrome and Alzheimer's disease. Preventive strategies may involve hypertension management, regular exercise, proper nutrition, and cognitive engagement. Meanwhile, delirium , of shorter duration, sudden onset, and potential reversibility, differs from dementia. It might stem from medications, substance abuse, infections, or chronic mental illnesses. Management and Nursing Considerations Treating the underlying cause is crucial for both dementia and delirium. Supportive care to prevent complications and adverse events is integral. Measures might include nutritional support, safety maintenance, emotional support for clients and families, pain assessment and management, aggression prevention, symptomatic relief (e.g., agitation, hallucinations), hydration, assistance with daily activities, and promoting independence. Nursing Diagnoses Nursing diagnoses for individuals with impaired cognition can involve risk assessment for self and/or others, fall risk due to cognitive impairment, disturbed thought processes stemming from impaired cognition, self-esteem loss due to impaired cognition, and memory loss attributed to impaired cognition. Identifying Indications and Manifestations of Acute and Persistent Mental Health Conditions As mentioned earlier, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) outlines four primary groupings of mental illnesses . These comprehensive categories encompass disorders related to thought, mood, behavior, and amalgamated mental well-being conditions. Mental health maladies can also be sorted and delineated based on their intensity, ranging from mild to severe, and their duration, spanning acute to chronic, employing various classification approaches. In the context of this review for NCLEX-PN, you will gain insight into acute and chronic mental health conditions, which fall under the following classifications: ●​ Depressive mental health disorders

●​ Anxiety disorders ●​ Bipolar disorder ●​ Cognitive mental health disorders ●​ Personality-related mental health disorders

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