Case 1 of 40
New drowsiness and withdrawal may be delirium
Example case for staff education
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Mrs Bell, 82, was admitted last night with a chest infection.
Read the case transcript
Page 1
Panel 1
Mrs Bell, 82, was admitted last night with a chest infection.
Day nurse: Good morning, Mrs Bell. Your tea is here.
Panel 2
She does not answer. Her breakfast is untouched.
Support worker: She was chatting at midnight. This is new.
Panel 3
The nurse checks alertness and takes observations.
Day nurse: Mrs Bell, can you open your eyes for me?
Panel 4
Quiet withdrawal can be delirium. The doctor assesses her now.
Doctor: Thank you for spotting the change. I will assess her now.
Commentary
A person who becomes unusually quiet, withdrawn or drowsy may have delirium. This is sometimes called hypoactive delirium. Assess the person promptly and look for possible causes.