Basic Knowledge:
What is Delirium?
A temporary mental state characterized by confusion, anxiety, incoherent speech, and hallucinations.
Signs & Symptoms of delirium in a child:
confusion, agitation or restlessness, picking at items that are not there, not responding to soothing, difficulty staying alert, sleep disturbances, poor feeding
Signs & Symptoms of delirium in this adult:
easily distracted
changes in cognitionreduced awareness of the environment
inability to focus
aggression
Signs & Symptoms of delirium in the older adult:
not making any sense
Switching up days and nights
sleepy then, alert
In our dementia patients, this could be pacing or any new onset of behaviors that weren't there before
What are some of the common causes of Delirium?
Fever, intoxication, certain medications, sleep deprivation, emotional distress
True/ False: Delirium is generally temporary and reversible.
TRUE
True/ False: Delirium is not a medical emergency and can subside at home.
FALSE
The nurse's vital role in treatment:
Early detection of delirium
promoting comfort and low stimuli
assess and anticipate needs
education to family members on temporary symptoms of delirium
SAFETY!!!!!
What is the greatest cause of delirium in ICU patients?
Lack of Sleep/ Rest
nursing management for children with delirium:
Remind child gently of whats going on
provide familiar objects such as "blanky"distraction with toys/ images
SAFETY!
nursing management of the adult with delirium:
Labs
promoting hydrationorienting the patient frequency
therapeutic environmentnursing management of the older adult:
ensuring the use of assistive devices
observing the response to medications
Intake and Output
ensuring mobility
Preventing falls