Delirium/Dementia Flashcards
Delirium is the
state of temporary but acute mental confusion
life-threatening
preventable and/or reversible
Delirium is most common in the
elderly but occur at any age
Patho of delirium
link to onset
stress
surgery
sleep deprivation
pain and depression
What is the leading cause factor of delirium?
dementia
________is a risk factor for subsequent development of dementia
delirium
Why is it important to manage pain levels in hospitals esp. post-op older pts?
decrease the risk of delirium
Is delirium reversible?
yes if cause is found
Why is delirium scary and life-threatening?
they are unable to tell their s/s to someone
symptoms fluctuate and common at night
Systemic illness
infection
cardiovascular
endocrine
toxic-metabolic
Primary cerebral disease
head injury
stroke
increased ICP
infection
epilepsy
Delirium can cause
systemic illness
primary cerebral disease
Causes of Delirium mnemonic
Dementia, dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances, emotional stress
Lung, liver, heart, kidney, brain
Infection, ICU
Rx Drugs (mixed)
Injury, immobility
Untreated pain, unfamiliar environment
Metabolic disorders
Delirium Dx Tests
H&P, meds Rx or OTC
lab tests
ECG
CT OR MRI - head injury
LP
EEG
Delirium Nursing Mgmt
potentially reversible
Focus on eliminating precipitating factors
secondary to infection = antibiotic
For a delirium pt, what should you do when they are confused?
Reorient by calming them down to reality
Dementia
chronic and progressive deterioration
**Gradual decline in memory, language, and higher executive functions
Dementia pts are
alert and aware
interferes with social and daily functions
Cure for Dementia
no
**Prolonged exp. = possible irreversible
Most common causes of dementia
Neurodegenerative conditions
-Alzheimer’s
Vascular diseases
-vascular dementia
Toxic, metabolic, or nutritional diseases
-with Lewy bodies
Immunologic or systemic diseases
Dementia Dx
Focused on determining the cause
Medical, neurologic, & psychological history
Rule out other medical condition
Nursing Mgmt of Dementia
similar to Alzheimer’s
treat risk factors
An older pt is admitted to the hospital with a UTI and possible bacterial sepsis. The family is concerned because the pt is confused and not able to carry on a conversation. Which statement by the nurse is most appropriate?
a) Depression is a common cause of confusion in older adults in the hospital.
b) Normal for an older person to have cognitive problems while in the hospital
c) Mental changes are most likely caused by the infection and most often reversible
d) Drug therapy with antipsychotic agents is indicated to slow the progression of dementia
c) Mental changes are most likely caused by the infection and most often reversible
Dementia and Alzheimer’s are
the same
Which intervention would the nurse perform to support optimal memory function for a patient with dementia?
A) Restrain the patient when agitated
B) Remind the patient of current and forgotten events
C) Develop stimulating and meaningful therapeutic activities
D) Orient the patient to reality
C) Develop stimulating and meaningful therapeutic activities
