Delirium Case Study

Delirium is an unexpected change within the brain that creates a sense of confusion and emotional disturbance. People who have delirium find it difficult to concentrate, remember things, focusing their attention and possible sleep disruption. The condition may present when a person goes through alcohol withdrawal, is recovering from surgery or as dementia. The different kinds of delirium are:

• Delirium Tremens (DT’s) – occur during alcohol withdrawal following severe alcohol addiction.

• Hyperactive Delirium – the client is uncooperative and extremely alert.

• Hypoactive Delirium – is very common, and the client is inactive, sleeps more than normal and becomes disorganized. They may miss scheduled events.

• Mixed – client shows symptoms of both hyper and

Evaluate LOC and mental status. Rationale: determine a baseline for future comparison, along with determining neurologic status.

2. Initiate fall prevention and arrange furniture to accommodate client. Rationale: confusion increases the client’s risk for falls; safety is important.

3. Determine the client’s nutritional status. Rationale: client may have been unable to properly cover their nutritional needs and may be malnourished or have underlying electrolyte imbalances.

4. Frequently orient the client to time and place. Rationale: they may not remember where they are, or what day it is; he or she may be out of touch with reality. May need to use calendars or clocks with large numbers.

5. Keep any explanations simple and short. Rationale: may increase the likelihood they will remember and understand what is being explained. Will also increase client compliance.

6. Assess the client’s ability to perform ADL’s and provide assistance if needed. Rationale: they may be experiencing self care deficit’s and need help to learn how to perform them again.

7. Provide consistency in healthcare members who care for the client. Rationale: will help to reduce client confusion and