Progressive Care Nursing Certification (PCCN) Practice Exam

Which symptom could indicate a change in a patient's mental status?

1. Constant deep breaths

2. Shortness of breath

3. Restlessness and hostility

4. Stable vital signs

The correct answer is: Restlessness and hostility

Restlessness and hostility can be key indicators of a change in a patient's mental status. These symptoms may suggest underlying issues such as anxiety, pain, confusion, or even neurological changes that require immediate assessment. In a clinical setting, any sudden alteration in behavior, especially when it manifests as increased agitation or hostility, could highlight a shift in cognition or emotional state, which is crucial for a nurse to recognize and address promptly. Constant deep breaths, while they can indicate a variety of respiratory or anxiety-related concerns, do not specifically correlate with mental status changes. Shortness of breath is primarily a respiratory symptom and may not directly reflect cognitive alterations. Stable vital signs suggest that the patient's physiological state is unchanged, which does not typically correlate with acute changes in mental status. Thus, recognizing behavioral symptoms such as restlessness and hostility is vital for identifying potential cognitive issues in patients.