How to Treat Acute Delirium in Acute Care

Delirium is a sudden but reversible condition that affects the brain. It causes a person to lose his memory, become confused and be less aware of his environment. It reduces his ability to focus and maintain attention. Delirium can be caused by a medical condition, being intoxicated with a substance, withdrawal from a substance or other conditions. Treatment of a patient with delirium is focused on finding and treating the underlying cause and also caring for the client based on the symptoms they exhibit, such as wandering or agitation.

Instructions

How to Treat Acute Delirium in Acute Care

• 1

  Help your client maintain reality orientation. Orient the client to his or her environment upon admission. Make the patient aware of the day and time as well. Place orientation aids like clocks and calenders in the client's room.

• 2

  Assess your client for the underlying disorder causing his delirium. Evaluate his health history, go through his lab reports and perform both physical and neurological examinations.

• 3

  Administer all prescribed medication intended to treat the underlying cause of the delirium and manage symptoms of delirium such as severe agitation with an anti-psychotic medications.

• 4

  Decrease the possibilty of anxiety in your patient. Keep his environment as calm as possible and incorporate items that are familiar to him.

• 5

  Reduce the risk of your client falling by placing his bed in the lowest position, ensuring adequate lighting in his room and removing all clutter from the floors.

• 6

  Minimize confusion in your client. Provide him with care from the same staff or a small group of staff who will care for him consistently. This increases security and stability.

• 7

  Encourage your client to talk about events that are meaningful to him, such as the birth of a grandchild. Allow your client to initiate conversation about their feelings.

• 8

  Use sensor devices that will alert you and other staff members when the client gets out of bed or attempts to leave the hospital unit or building. Restrain your client as a last resort to keep him from harming himself or others.

• 9

  Involve your client's family in his plan of care. Their consent will be needed for treatment if your client is unable to make decisions about his treatment due to his delirious state.