Delirium Part 3: Interventions in the Management and Treatment

Course overview

The broad spectrum of pathologies for delirium dictates that not all patients in rehabilitation or residents in long-term care have to be hospitalized when they demonstrate signs and symptoms of delirium. Hospitalization, in fact, can make the condition worse due to change in the environment and care providers. However, delirium can be a life-threatening event, and at times emergent care is required. This final course in the three-part series of courses on delirium will emphasize good clinical decision-making skills and the need for all nurses in all settings to have these skills. In many settings, including rehabilitation, long-term care, and outpatient care, management of delirium may be successful, provided an accurate assessment and diagnosis can be made and the interventions necessary to address the care needs in that setting can be accomplished. This course will emphasize both non-pharmacological and pharmacological interventions in the care of persons with delirium.