Which of the following would be the priority when caring for a client with delirium?
Time to Read: About 3 minutes This information will help you learn about delirium. It will also help you care for a friend or family member with delirium. Delirium is a sudden change in the way a person thinks and acts. People with delirium can’t pay attention to what’s going on around them, and their thinking isn’t organized. This can be scary for the person with delirium, their family, caregivers, and friends. Delirium can start in a few hours or over several days. The symptoms can
come and go. Most of the time, delirium is caused by an illness or injury. Delirium isn’t the same as dementia. Dementia is a state of confusion that slowly gets worse over time and won’t get better. Delirium happens suddenly and usually gets better with treatment. Someone with delirium may have 1 or more of these signs. They
may: Call the person’s doctor or nurse right away if they seem confused or show any signs of delirium. Different things can cause delirium. Some common causes are:
Risk factors for deliriumSome things can put a person at a higher risk of getting delirium. A person may be at risk for delirium if they:
Treatment for DeliriumThe best way to treat delirium is to find and treat the thing that’s causing it. Sometimes, many tests are needed to find the cause. These tests can include blood tests, x-rays, brain imaging (such as MRI’s and CT scans), and electrocardiograms (EKGs). The person’s doctor or nurse will also ask questions about their medical history such as past illnesses, treatments, and other things about their health. Once the cause of the delirium is found, treatment can start. If the person is upset or nervous, they may be given medication to help them relax. Medical equipment that isn’t needed will be taken out of their room to help them feel safer. Some people will also have someone in their room to make sure they’re safe such as a nursing assistant. Back to topHow to Help a Person with DeliriumThere are many ways you can help a person with delirium. You can help them by:
Recovering from DeliriumDelirium can last from a day to sometimes months. If the person’s medical problems get better, they may be able to go home before their delirium goes away. Some people’s delirium symptoms get much better when they go home. Other people might keep having memory issues and forget the date and where they are for months after the cause of their delirium is treated. Their doctor, nurse, social worker, and case manager will help you plan for their care at home. Call their doctor or nurse if you have any questions or concerns. Back to topWhich nursing intervention is a priority for a client with delirium?Nursing interventions for patients with delirium include the following: Assess level of anxiety. Assess client's level of anxiety and behaviors that indicate the anxiety is increasing; recognizing these behaviors, nurse may be able to intervene before violence occurs. Provide an appropriate environment.
Which is the primary treatment for delirium?Antipsychotics: In general, antipsychotics are considered as the medication of choice in the management of delirium.
How can I help someone with delirium?Stay calm; talk to them in short, simple sentences and check that they have understood you, repeating things if necessary. Remind them of what is happening and reassure them about how they are doing. Having someone around that they know well, or even some familiar objects from home, can really help.
Which would be the priority goal for a client with dementia?Most often, the goals focused on improving quality of life for the person with dementia, followed by caregiver support goals (goals that help reduce caregiver stress or make caregiving as easy as possible). Some commonly chosen goals for the person with dementia included: Maintaining physical safety.
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