Delirum And Dementia i Flashcards
Delirium
State of TEMPORARY but acute mental confusion
Life threatening syndrom
Often preventable and or reversible
Dementia
Is a leading risk factor for delirium
Other causes of delirium
Stress
Surgery
Sleep deprivation
Pain and depression (especially in postoperative older pt)
Systemic illness
Infections , cardiovascular endocrine or toxic metabolic (UTI #1)
Can cause confusion or delirium
Primary cerebral disease
Head injury, stroke, epilepsy, increased ICP can cause delirium
Mnemonic for causes of DELIRIUM
Dementia,dehydration
Electrolyte imbalances,emotional stress
*Lung, liver, heart, kidney, brain
*Infection, ICU
*Rx drugs
I injury, immobility
U untreated pain, unfamiliar enviroment
*Metabolic disorders
Delirium diagnostics test
H&P
Lab test
ECG
CT or MRI
Lumbar puncture
EEG
Nursing managment for delirium
Treatment is important, potentially reversible
Focus on eliminating precipitating factors
If secondary to infection; antibiotic therapy needed
Reorientation and behavior intervention
With delirium pt
You can reorientate them
Dementia
Chronic and progressive deterioration in memory , language and higher executive functions
Interferes with social and daily functions
Usually alert and aware
Early stages of dementia
Can be reversible
Prolonged exposure to dementia
May be irreversible
Dementia causes
Levy bodies
Vascular dementia
Alzheimer’s disease
Dementia diagnosis
Focus on determining the cause
Most pt with dementia
Are in lonf term care facilities because they need constant care
