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7 Cards in this Set
- Front
- Back
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Delirium |
A medical condition that results in disruptions in thinking and behavior, perception, mood, attention, activity level. |
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Causes of delirium |
An acute medical illness, such as a urinary tract infection or influenza • A "brain event,"such as stroke or bleeding from an unrecognized head injury • An adverse reaction to a medication, mix of medications or to alcohol • Withdrawal from abruptly stopping a medication, alcohol or nicotine |
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Manifestations of delirium |
Sudden, abrupt onset Short course, symptoms worse at night, disrupt sleep Duration of hours to less than one month Orientation impaired to time / place Poor recall and immediate memory: unable to recall current illness, forgetful, unable to recall instructions Poor attention span Incoherent, rapid speech Hallucinations likely |
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Dementia |
Dementia is described as a cognitive decline caused by any disorder that permanently damages areas of the brain necessary for memory and learning. |
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Causes of dementia |
Death of neurons and/or the loss of communication among cells • Genetic component is likely • Exact cause is not always known but can be caused by other disease processes o 60–80% from Alzheimer disease o Vascular dementia o Parkinson disease o Normal pressure hydrocephalus o Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease o Metabolic disorders o Medications, poisoning o Anoxia |
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Manifestations of dementia |
Insidious/slow Long course Symptoms Progressive over time Duration of months to years Orientation generally normal Poor recent and remote memory Intact attention span early in disease, impaired in late stages Word finding problems Hallucinations unlikely |
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Preventing episodes of delirium |
Avoid illness through smoking cessation, a balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate hydration and vaccinations to prevent influenza and pneumonia. • Avoid alcohol in any amount. • Exercise caution with medication, especially sleep aids, and periodically ask the physician for a “medication review.” |
