Possible Outcomes of untreated delirium

Why would delirium be considered a medical emergency? What are some possible outcomes of untreated delirium?
a. Wernicke encephalopathy can cause severe brain damage, coma, or death

7. Identify nursing interventions that would be appropriate for a patient with delirium?

Providing a therapeutic environment: reduce noise, providing adequate light,

maintaining consistency and continuity of nursing staff, avoiding patient relocation or transfer if possible, providing a soothing atmosphere, promoting sleep by offering relaxation tapes or music before bedtime

Orienting the patient frequently

Anticipating the patient’s needs: reviewing prescribed medications for adverse effects,

assessing for pain and providing analgesia prn, monitoring vital signs, promoting

hydration, encouraging mobility

Ensuring that hearing aids and eyeglasses are available for patients who use them

Observing the patient’s response to medications

Checking laboratory tests

Teach family members about delirium: providing education about signs and symptoms,

causes of delirium, suggesting ways the family can work with the patient to reduce

symptoms, encouraging family visits

Administering medications such as antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, vitamins, and

hypnotic as doctor ordered

Assess level of anxiety and behaviors

Promote patient’s safety: remove all potentially dangerous objects from patient’s

environment

Observe suicide precautions

7. When
would you ask the patient or family to obtain relevant information? List 4 questions.

https://www.coursehero.com/file/50942070/Elderly-3docx/

reviewing the patient’s background and you are ready to collect data; what questions

Did you drink about 2L of fluid daily?

Do you currently have infection such as UTI?

Do you use drugs?

Are you in pain?

Have you ever had brain injury?

Are you trying to quick drinking alcohol?

Do you have diabetes?