NUR 257 Midterm 3

NUR 257 Midterm 3
1. delirium definition
sudden, acute confusional status
-can be hyper or hypoactive (higher mortality)
-is treatable; must act quickly to treat underlying cause
-must know baseline of pt (can use chart or family)
-is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY
-can be reversible
underlying causes
usually infection (UTI or respiratory), meds, electrolyte imbalances, alcohol, drug use,
withdrawn, surgery, sensory overload
assessment CAMtreatment
treat underlying cause quickly (priority)
2. depression
**most common affective mood disorder of old age
signs
(subtle signs) GI complaints, fatigue, diminished memory, irritability, somat- ic complaints,
sleep disturbances, restlessness, impaired attention span, suicidal ideation, can reduce quality of
life and function
assessment
use GDS (geriatric depression scale) treatment
treat underlying conditions to alleviate depression meds
anticholinergenics
side effects of meds
cardiac/orthostatic symptoms(dizzy), can'tsee well, can't have bowel movements, no urine
output, dry mouth, nausea
- takes up to 4-6 weeks for symptoms to diminish, should stay hydrated, change positions slowly