What additional sign might indicate a client with delirium is experiencing decreased cognitive function?

Hallucinations are a significant indicator of decreased cognitive function in clients experiencing delirium. Delirium is characterized by sudden changes in attention and cognitive processing, often accompanied by perceptual disturbances such as hallucinations. These disturbances reflect an underlying neurocognitive issue, where the person's ability to accurately perceive reality is compromised.

Other factors associated with delirium, such as disorientation, confusion, and fluctuating levels of consciousness, can also lead to symptoms like hallucinations. Recognizing hallucinations in a client can be crucial for proper assessment and intervention, as they suggest a more severe inability to process information and recognize the surrounding environment accurately.

In contrast, improved social interaction, increased appetite, and the ability to focus on tasks typically suggest better cognitive function and stability, which are contrary to the signs of decreased cognitive functioning seen in delirium.