SLIDE 1
Delirium Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours or - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Delirium Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours or - - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
Delirium Delirium is characterized by an acute onset (hours or days) and fluctuating course of deterioration in mental functioning. DELIRIUM IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY! Delirium: Hallmark Features Inattention- inability to sustain focus
SLIDE 2
SLIDE 3
Delirium: Hallmark Features
- Inattention- inability to sustain focus
- Perseveration- unable to appropriately shift attention
SLIDE 4
Terms and Definitions
- Delusion- A false belief.
- Hallucination- Seeing or hearing what is not in
the environment.
- Illusion- When an object seems to appear to be
something different than what it is.
SLIDE 5
Delirium: Types
- Hyperactive delirium- very active, repetitive
behaviors, wandering, hallucinations and may have verbal or physical outbursts.
- Hypoactive delirium- characterised by reduced
arousal, lethargy and drowsiness.
- Mixed delirium- a fluctuation between hyperactive
delirium and hypoactive delirium.
SLIDE 6
Case Scenario
- Joe is 80, he has dementia and lives at home with
his wife Margaret
- Margaret is trying to give Joe his medication and
says “ Joe, it is time to take your meds”
- Joe is looks very drowsy, is not making eye contact
- He looks sad and distracted and does not answer
SLIDE 7
Delirium: Risk Factors
- A person over the age of 65
- Mild Cognitive Impairment, Dementia
- Prior delirium
- History of falls
SLIDE 8
Delirium: Risk Factors
- Recent surgery
- Change of an already present chronic illness
- Dehydration
- Malnourishment
SLIDE 9
Delirium: Risk Factors
- Sleep deprivation
- Withdrawal of drugs or alcohol
SLIDE 10
Prevention Strategies
- Gain knowledge about delirium
- Use caution with medications
- Manage chronic pain
- Treat infections early
SLIDE 11
Delirium: Causes
- Infection ( bladder or pneumonia)
- Medication side effects
- Improper administration of medications
SLIDE 12
Delirium: Causes
- Alcohol or medication withdrawal
- Falls
- Hospitalization
SLIDE 13
Delirium: Signs and Symptoms
- Inattention
- Disturbance of memory
- Disorientation and disorganized thinking
- Disturbance to sleep-wake cycle
SLIDE 14
Delirium: Signs and Symptoms
- Restless or very sleepy
- Altered perceptions (delusions, hallucinations,
illusions)
- Emotional disturbance ( physical or verbally
reactive)
SLIDE 15
Delirium versus Dementia
- Delirium is a sudden onset of mental confusion as a
result of a underlying medical condition (Reversible)
- Dementia is a progressive change in cognitive
functioning as a result of progressive degeneration
- f brain cells (Non-Reversible)
SLIDE 16
Delirium versus Dementia
Onset Duration Attention span Psychomotor activity Mood Psychotic features Delirium Sudden (days or hours) Usually short, days to weeks Decreased Increased
- r decreased
Normal to anxious Hallucinations Visual Tactile Dementia Months to years Usually slowly
- ver years
Normal Usually normal or decreased Normal can have apathy Paranoid delusions Hallucination (visual, not
- ften)
SLIDE 17
Caregiver Approach
- Provide a calm reassurance to the person
- Ensure the person’s pain is managed
- Provide a calm, quiet environment
- Orientate the person as often as possible
SLIDE 18
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Healthy rest and sleep:
Reduce noise and distractions Adjust lighting Increase comfort
SLIDE 19
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Physical Activity
Help the person with walking and sitting Discuss with your health professional safe physical activities
SLIDE 20
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Hydration and healthy eating
Help with eating Offer fluids often
SLIDE 21
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Healthy Hearing:
Ensure person has their hearing aides and that they are working properly
SLIDE 22
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Healthy Vision:
If the person has glasses, ensure they are wearing them and that they are clean Provide good lighting Have a magnifying glass present
SLIDE 23
How families can help: Care Strategies
- Mental stimulation:
- Socialization
- Current events and surroundings
- Reading- use larger print
SLIDE 24
Delirium: Treatment
- Your Health Professional will:
Find and treat the underlying cause of the delirium Do a medication review Give fluid by intravenous Give medications that calm the person with delirium
SLIDE 25
Questions
?
SLIDE 26
SLIDE 27
Delirium: Fast Facts
- It is a Medical Emergency!
- Sudden onset
- Inattention: Inability to maintain focus
- Perseveration: Unable to shift focus
SLIDE 28