Confusion - Inability to Think Clearly | Study Guide

University:
Chamberlain University
Course:
NR 324 | Adult Health
Academic year:

2019
Views:

25

Pages:

3
Author:

esfredint7qo

Chapter 5 Confusion - inability to think clearly. ● Can be permanent or temporary Some causes of confusion: ● UTI ● Low blood sugar ● Head trauma ‘ ● Nutritional problem ● Infection ● Brain tumor Delirium - state of severe confusion and usually temporary. Possible cause: ● Infection ● Disease ● Fluid imbalance ● Poor nutrition Sign and symptoms: ● Anger ● Agitated ● Depression ● Irritability ● Disorientation ● Trouble focusing ● Problem with speech ● Decreases of short-term memory cognition - ability to think logically and clearly Cognitive impairment - ability is lost. Dementia - serious loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning and communicating . Alzheimer disease - causes tangle nerve fiber and protein deposits to form in the brain. ● May lose the ability to read, write, speak or understand. Communicating 1. always approach from the front 2. Repeat yourself and use the same words if you need to repeat yourself. 3. Keep message simple 4. Observe body language-eyes hands and face 5. Ask residents to point out gestures or act out. ADLs 1. Develop a routine and stick with it 2. Promote self care 3. Take good care of themselves both physically and mentally Sundowning - a person with AD gets restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening or night. Catastrophic reaction - overreacts to something Wandering - walks aimlessly around facility Elope - leave facility unsupervised and unnoticed Perseveration or repetitive phrasing - residents with dementia may repeat words, phrases, questions or activities over and over again. Disruptiveness - yelling, banging on furniture and slamming doors. Inappropriate social behavior - cursing, name calling or yelling rummaging - going through drawers, closet or personal items. Hoarding - collecting and putting things away in a guarded way. Sleep disturbance - residents with AD may experience a number of sleep disturbances. Validating - giving value to or approving. Reminiscence therapy - encourage resident to remember and talk about the past.