Case 5 of 40
Fear returning after a period of calm
Example case for staff education
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Mr Mensah, 70, has delirium and believes staff intend harm.
Read the case transcript
Page 1
Panel 1
Mr Mensah, 70, has delirium and believes staff intend harm.
Mr Mensah: Go away. You are trying to hurt me.
Panel 2
Nurse Lee approaches calmly while other staff step back.
Nurse Lee: I am Lee, your nurse. I am here to help.
Panel 3
She acknowledges his fear and asks about discomfort.
Nurse Lee: I can see you are frightened. Are you in pain?
Panel 4
Staff reduce noise and contact his son.
Nurse Lee: Your son is coming soon.
Panel 5
He settles for a while and drinks some tea.
Mr Mensah: Thank you, Lee. I feel safer now.
Panel 6
Later, the fear returns.
Mr Mensah: They are coming for me. Get them away.
Panel 7
Staff reassess illness, pain, toileting needs and other possible causes.
Nurse Lee: Has anything changed since we last checked?
Panel 8
Severe distress persists. The senior doctor reviews him urgently.
Senior doctor: We will stay with you and review your treatment.
Panel 9
Support continues overnight. Staff hand over what helps.
Nurse Lee: He settles with one calm voice. Sudden noise frightens him.
Commentary
A person with delirium may become frightened again after a period of feeling calmer. Continue support and assess them again. Seek senior review if severe distress persists.