Confusion in patients, particularly in hospital settings, is distressing for the patients and their families and presents a significant challenge for the healthcare providers tasked with their care. So, recognizing and managing confusion promptly is crucial for nurses on the front lines. This blog dives into the initial steps nurses should take when confronted with a confused patient, supported by relevant statistics and clinical guidelines.
Recognizing Confusion
Confusion, or mental disorientation, can manifest as difficulty making decisions, memory problems, or erratic behavior. Nurses need to distinguish between sudden confusion (delirium) and more gradual cognitive declines such as dementia. The prevalence of delirium in hospitalized patients is significant. Studies show that nearly 30 percent of older patients experience delirium at some time during hospitalization; the incidence is higher in intensive care units. Among older patients who have had surgery, the risk of delirium varies from 10 to greater than 50 percent.
Initial Steps for Nurses When a Patient Shows Confusion
Step 1: Assess Vital Signs
The initial step in assessing a confused patient is to check vital signs. This includes measuring blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature. Abnormalities in these readings can indicate underlying problems such as infections, dehydration, or metabolic imbalances, contributing to confusion. For instance, a high fever can suggest sepsis or an illness requiring immediate medical attention.
Step 2: Review Medication
Medications are a common contributor to confusion in patients. Nurses must review all the medications a patient takes, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements. Certain medications, particularly those with anticholinergic properties, sedatives, and narcotics, are known to induce or exacerbate confusion. Adjusting these medications under the guidance of a physician can often alleviate the symptoms.
Step 3: Evaluate Hydration and Nutrition
Hydration and nutrition status can significantly influence cognitive function. Dehydration is a common issue, especially among older adults, and even mild dehydration can lead to significant confusion. Ensuring that patients receive adequate fluids and are monitored for signs of dehydration is a critical step. Similarly, assessing nutritional intake is vital since deficiencies in vitamins and minerals (notably B1, B12, and folic acid) can also lead to cognitive impairments.
Step 4: Perform a Cognitive Assessment
Once physiological causes are reviewed and addressed, conducting a quick cognitive assessment using tools such as the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) can help determine the presence of delirium. This tool helps distinguish delirium from other forms of cognitive impairment based on acute onset and fluctuating course, inattention, and either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness.
Step 5: Check for Environmental Factors
Environmental factors can contribute to patient confusion. Poor lighting, excessive noise, and unfamiliar surroundings can exacerbate confusion, particularly in patients with baseline cognitive impairments like dementia. Simplifying a patient's environment, ensuring adequate lighting, and reducing noise can help mitigate confusion. Personalizing the space with familiar objects can also provide comfort and orientation.
Incorporating Family and Caregiver Insights
Involving family members and caregivers can provide additional insights into the patient's normal cognitive function and behavior, which can be crucial for accurate assessment. Family members can also reinforce orientations with familiar voices and stories, which help ground and comfort the patient.
Leveraging Technology and Training
Advancements in healthcare technology, including electronic health records (EHRs), can help quickly assess a patient's medical history and previous episodes of confusion, if any. Ongoing training and education for nurses on the latest protocols for managing delirium and confusion are also vital for improving patient outcomes.
Conclusion
Early recognition and management of patient confusion are pivotal in preventing complications and improving recovery outcomes. By following these structured initial steps when a patient shows confusion, nurses can play a crucial role in the care and recovery of confused patients. Integrating clinical skills, technology, and compassionate care forms the backbone of effective nursing response to confusion in the healthcare setting. With 35.4% of patients with delirium not recognized by the treating team, the role of the nurse in quickly identifying and mitigating confusion has never been more critical.
