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Chapter 22 Confusion Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 1 Learning Objectives • Define delirium and dementia. • Identify the causes of acute confusion. • Explain the differences between delirium and dementia. • Discuss nursing assessment and interventions related to delirium and dementia. Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 2 Delirium • Definition: short-term confusional state with sudden onset and is typically reversible • Characterized by disturbances in consciousness that impair a person’s awareness of the environment • May have difficulty focusing or paying attention, so easily distracted Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 3 Delirium • May be difficult to engage in a conversation, and questions often must be repeated several times • Impaired recent memory is common, along with disorientation and language problems • Speech may be slurred and disjointed, with aimless repetitions • May misinterpret what is going on in the environment; may develop delusional thinking and experience hallucinations Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 4 Delirium • May alternate between hyperactivity and hypoactivity • May fluctuate from drowsiness to stupor or coma • Conversely, may be very alert and agitated • Other symptoms: anxiety, depression, irritability, anger, apathy, or euphoria • Acute confusion begins abruptly and usually lasts a short time: as long as a week, but rarely more than a month Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 5 Dementia • Chronic and irreversible; memory impairment and many other cognitive deficits • Impaired intellectual function, problem-solving ability, judgment, memory and orientation, and inappropriate behavior • Several types of dementia • Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Pick’s disease, Huntington’s disease, and CreutzfeldtJakob disease Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 6 Dementia • Other conditions associated with dementia • Normal pressure hydrocephalus, subdural hematoma, brain tumors, neurosyphilis, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) • Dementia not a disease but a clinical syndrome: collection of symptoms that can occur with many types of diseases • Vascular dementia results from damage to brain cells caused by inadequate blood supply Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 7 Assessment • Observe behavior and collect data about orientation, memory, and sleep habits • Family may provide information if patient cannot • Ask when the symptoms of confusion started and whether confusion is constant or intermittent • List acute or chronic illnesses and all medications patient has been taking (including home remedies and over-the-counter drugs) • Assessment data help physician determine if patient is suffering from delirium or dementia Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 8 Interventions: Delirium Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 9 Disturbed Thought Processes • Private room with continual supervision • Room quiet and uncluttered to avoid agitation caused by extraneous stimuli • Lighting soft and diffuse to avoid shadows that may be misinterpreted and add to patient’s fears • Familiar objects, such as pictures, a clock, and a large calendar, placed in the room can help orient the patient to time and person Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 10 Figure 22-1 Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 11 Disturbed Thought Processes • Communication with a confused patient should be simple and direct • Anyone dealing with a delirious patient should be calm, warm, and reassuring • It is helpful if the same personnel are assigned to care for the patient • Avoid sudden movements, and handle the patient gently during procedures or turning Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 12 Disturbed Thought Processes • Hallucinating patients need one-to-one nursing observation and repeated verbal reorientation • Need to be assured that the medical and nursing staff are helping them and keeping them safe • Frequent orientation to the surroundings and the situation is important • Keep choices to a minimum • Simple, direct statements better than questions Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 13 Disturbed Sleep Pattern • Sleep deprivation can cause or contribute to disorientation and confusion • A backrub, glass of warm milk, and a soothing conversation may help the patient relax and fall asleep • Schedule medications or treatments at times that do not interrupt nighttime sleep • Presence of a family member may help calm an agitated and confused patient Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 14 Figure 22-2 Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 15 Risk for Injury • Patient may pull on tubes, try to get out of bed unassisted, or attempt to leave the setting • Avoid physical restraints: increase anxiety and agitation in confused patients; can result in injuries • Ask a family member to remain with the patient or assign a staff member to do so • Avoid arguing with delirious patients • Gently explain what you are doing and why Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 16 Interventions: Dementia Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 17 Self-Care Deficit Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 18 Imbalanced Nutrition: Less Than Body Requirements • Assist with meals: cutting food or total feeding • Foods that can be managed with a single utensil may facilitate self-feeding • Finger foods high in protein and carbohydrates allow patients to feed themselves more easily • Small, frequent meals less confusing to patients. Remove distractions from the eating area • Group meals may be helpful because patients often imitate behaviors of others • Offer fluids frequently during the day Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 19 Disturbed Sleep Pattern • Sleep and awakening are often reversed • Try to keep them awake during the day and get them to sleep at night • Tests and treatments can be scheduled during the morning and early afternoon to allow the patients time to wind down by bedtime • Some caregivers have found that a quiet hour in the afternoon with soft music promotes sleep at night • Patients who awaken during the night and become confused and agitated should be reassured in a soft, soothing manner Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 20 Risk for Injury • A safe, structured environment is essential for a person with dementia • Nothing should be left around that could harm the patient • Falls and injuries may be prevented with careful observation, muscle strengthening, and a fall prevention program Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 21 Disturbed Thought Processes/Impaired Verbal Communication • Communication should be simple and direct • Patients must be approached gently, calmly, and quietly • Nonverbal communication is extremely important • Look for cues from actions and facial expressions because patients often are not able to express their needs verbally • When patients resist activities such as bathing or dressing, avoid confrontations • A consistent schedule of care given by the same caregivers provides security for a dementia patient Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 22 Figure 22-3 Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 23 Nursing Care • Guidelines for working with dementia patients • They usually forget things relatively quickly • They are usually unable to learn new things • You can be creative in the care of dementia patients by using these two concepts • Sometimes agitation indicates pain, hunger, stress, fear, or the need for toileting Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 24 Nursing Care • Cognitive developmental approach (CDA) • Adapts interventions based on cognitive abilities • It is thought to reduce patient stress and frustration by eliminating unrealistic expectations and allowing the patient to do as much as able Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 25 CDA: Principles • Accept that the patient may no longer be able to make adult decisions and behave as a healthy adult would. Offer limited choices to simplify decision making • Adapt the environment to the patient rather than trying to adapt the patient to the environment • Encourage self-care at whatever level the patient can function. If the patient can eat independently with the hands but not with utensils, provide finger foods Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 26 CDA: Principles • Recognize irrational fears and arrange alternative ways to give personal care • In advanced dementia, patient behaviors and thinking are not typical of a healthy adult. Some strategies that work with children often work with dementia patients • Recognize that patient deserves to be treated with dignity regardless of abilities or behaviors. Even the most impaired patient can probably sense compassion in a caregiver Elsevier items and derived items © 2007 by Saunders, an imprint of Elsevier, Inc. 27