Chapter 10:4 Confusion and Disorientation In The Elderly
how does delirium (acute dementia) differ from chronic dementia ?
Acute Dementia or delirium : When symptoms are caused by high fever, kidney infection, dehydration, hypoxia (lack of oxygen), drug toxicity, or other treatable condition Chronic dementia: When symptoms are cause by permanent irreversible damage to brain cells
Walls of blood vessels become thick and lose elasticity
Arteriosclerosis
Blood clot obstructs blood flow to brain
Cerebrovascular
inability to plan and follow through with activities of daily living
Early Stage
A high fever can cause chronic dementia.
False
Alzheimer's disease can be diagnosed with a blood test that checks for low levels of a protein called beta- amyloid.
False
Alzheimer's disease is caused by a genetic defect.
False
Bingo games and large group activities help a confused individual by providing mental stimulation.
False
When a disoriented patient makes an incorrect statement, agree with the patient.
False
Preservation or repetitious behavior occur
Middle
Paronoia and hallucinations increase
Middle Stage A
restlessness at night
Middle stage
Walls of blood vessels become narrow from deposits of fat and minerals
atherosclerosis
mood and personality changes
early
personal hygein ignored
middle
loses control of bladder and bowel function
terminal
Name 6 causes of delirium.
• Alcohol and chemicals • Liver failure • Dehydration • Medical drugs • Stress • Respiratory disease
List 6 signs of confusion or disorientation.
• Improper language • Wandering • Doesn't know basic thing • Repeating things • Not knowing their own names • Lack awareness
Certain aspects of care should be followed with any confusion or disorientated individual. Provide a ___ and ___ environment, follow the same ___, keep activities ___, and avoid loud ___, ___ rooms, and excessive ___. Promote awareness of person, time, and place by providing ____.
Safe, secure, routine, simple, noises, crowded, commotion, calendar
incoherent and not able to communicate with words
Terminal Stage
total disorenitation regarding person, time , place
Terminal Stage
Caring for a confused or disoriented individual can be frustrating and even frightening.
True
Elderly individuals are more sensitive to medications
True
Later in stages of confusion and disorientation, when the individual is not able to respond, reality orientation can cause increased anxiety and agitation.
True
Patients, consistency, and sincere caring are essential with dealing with confusion and disorientation.
True
Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs) cause a temporary period of diminished blood flow to the brain
True
