Lecture 6 Sensory Alterations and Hospital Delirium

Question 1

what are the three types of sensory alterations?

Answer 1

Sensory Deficits
Sensory Deprivation
Sensory Overload

Question 2

symptoms of sensory overload

Answer 2

racing thoughts
scattered attention
restlessness and anxiety

Question 3

what is the difference between delirium and dementia

Answer 3

onset - rapid vs gradual
temporary, fluctuating symptoms vs permanent

Question 4

how are delirium and dementia similar?

Answer 4

memory and cognition impairment
decreased LOC

Question 5

how does delirium impact patient outcomes

Answer 5

more likely to develop ADRs
more likely to acquire HAIs
more likely to fall or develop pressure ulcers
have longer hospital stays

Question 6

signs and symptoms of delirium

Answer 6

decreased awareness of environment
inability to focus on one topic
easily distracted
hallucination
extreme emotions
cannot communicate

Question 7

causes of delirium

Answer 7

anticholinergics
psychoactive
opioids
alcohol withdrawal
hospitalization
dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
infection
pain

Question 8

interventions for delirium

Answer 8

correct electrolyte imbalances
nutrition and fluid intake
orient patient to present reality
consistent caregiver
control pain
eliminate unnecessary medications
mobilization asap
d/c foley asap

Question 9

preventing delirium

Answer 9

reduce noise
lighting consistent with time of day
visible clock and calendar
involve family in care

Question 10

enhancing sleep for patients

Answer 10

pain control
noise and light reduction
cluster care
goal - 2 hours uninterrupted

Question 11

pharmacological interventions for delirium

Answer 11

haldol
risperidone
olanzapine
lorazepam as last resort