Case 2 of 40
Lucidity in the morning does not rule out delirium overnight
Example case for staff education
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Overnight Mr Reid, 77, was disoriented and afraid.
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Page 1
Panel 1
Overnight Mr Reid, 77, was disoriented and afraid.
Night nurse: At 3 a.m. he did not know where he was.
Panel 2
On the ward round he answers clearly.
Doctor: Good morning. Can you tell me where you are?
Mr Reid: In hospital, after my fall. It is Tuesday.
Panel 3
The overnight change still needs assessment.
Doctor: Thank you. We still need to find what changed overnight.
Panel 4
He is assessed for delirium and its causes, with review planned.
Ward nurse: We will keep watching and repeat the checks today.
Commentary
Ask how the person has been over the preceding hours, including overnight. Delirium symptoms can vary, so clear answers during one assessment do not rule it out.