NUR 643 A patient is experiencing delirium after the initiation of a new medication
NUR 643 A patient is experiencing delirium after the initiation of a new medication
NUR 643 Week 6 DQs
Week 6 DQ 1 A patient is experiencing delirium after the initiation of a new medication. What are questions you want answered as well as physical findings would you be looking for?.
Treatment
The first goal of treatment for delirium is to address any underlying causes or triggers — for example, by stopping use of a particular medication, addressing metabolic imbalances or treating an infection. Treatment then focuses on creating the best environment for healing the body and calming the brain.
Supportive care
Supportive care aims to prevent complications by:
Protecting the airway
Providing fluids and nutrition
Assisting with movement
Treating pain
Addressing incontinence
Avoiding use of physical restraints and bladder tubes
Avoiding changes in surroundings and caregivers when possible
Encouraging the involvement of family members or familiar people
Medications
If you’re a family member or caregiver of someone who experiences delirium, talk with the doctor about avoiding or minimizing the use of drugs that may trigger delirium. Certain medications may be needed to control pain that’s causing delirium.
Other types of medications may help calm a person who has severe agitation or confusion or who misinterprets the environment in a way that leads to severe paranoia, fear or hallucinations. These medications may be needed when certain behaviors:
Prevent the performance of a medical exam or treatment
Endanger the person or threaten the safety of others
Don’t lessen with nondrug treatments
These medications are usually reduced in dose or discontinued when the delirium resolves.
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Clinical trials
Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.
Coping and support
If you’re a relative or caregiver of someone at risk of or recovering from delirium, you can take steps to help improve the person’s health, prevent a recurrence and manage responsibilities.
Promote good sleep habits
To promote good sleep habits:
Provide a calm, quiet environment
Keep inside lighting appropriate for the time of day
Plan for uninterrupted periods of sleep at night
Help the person keep a regular daytime schedule
Encourage self-care and activity during the day
Promote calmness and orientation
To help the person remain calm and well-oriented:
Provide a clock and calendar and refer to them regularly throughout the day
Communicate simply about any change in activity, such as time for lunch or time for bed
Keep familiar and favorite objects and pictures around, but avoid a cluttered environment
Approach the person calmly
Identify yourself or other people regularly
Avoid arguments
Use comfort measures, such as reassuring touch, when appropriate
Minimize noise levels and other distractions
Provide and maintain eyeglasses and hearing aids