Question

Topic #4: Patient Care experience in which You Learned Something New about Delirium, Depression or Dementia Reflect on a patient care experience in which you learned something new about delirium, depression or dementia. Include a description of the experience(s) of the patient encounter. Some dynamics to consider: nurse/patient/family relationship, being there for the patient, the patient and family's well- being and suffering, your compassion and empathy. Were any of your assumptions challenged or validated? Did you gain any insights about yourself (cognitive and/or emotional)? How might your experiences change your practice of nursing?

Answer 1

Ans.) All the mentioned conditions, delirium, depression or dementia are quite critical mental health condition, that develops over a short period of time, which needs proper treatment with lots of precautions and care.

It is very quite common in individuals with advanced illness. With delirium, people have mood swings when they are suddenly feel confused and unaware of what is going on around them. They may become agitated and restless. In some cases, the cause of the delirium can be easily treated while in others, steps can be taken to help manage delirium and ensure your loved one’s safety and comfort.

While attending a patient, I encountered and understand some of common causes of delirium which are basically include; infections, serious or terminal illness, drug and alcohol abuse etc.

To treat such type of mental condition, one needs to understand the basic cause of delirium because it is very important to treat the cause the depression. It will automatically make the patient to feel good.

The main goal of treatment is to manage the delirium and keep the patient safe and comfortable. I did the following:

• Provide safe and familiar surrounding
• Limit contact with strangers
• Maintain a regular day and night schedule
• Use positive language
• Always be alert the if the patient’s conditions worsens

There are certain precautionary measures to avoid delirium given below -

• First of use some visual and hearing aids as needed
• Try to patient’s manage pain
• Keep a close watch for the use of all the medication given to the patient.
• Prevent medical complications or treat them if they happen. Some medical conditions are known to cause or worsen delirium

At the last, I would suggest that if you are a caregiver to a person with delirium, you may also find a support group or educational materials helpful during this stressful and emotional time.