Case 8 of 40
Assess delirium even when a relative is not yet available
Example case for staff education
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Mr Osei, 76, lives alone. Triage noted him chatting normally.
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Page 1
Panel 1
Mr Osei, 76, lives alone. Triage noted him chatting normally.
Triage nurse: 10 p.m. Alert, joking with the porters.
Panel 2
At 2 a.m. he is drowsy and cannot keep attention.
Night nurse: Mr Osei? Can you tell me your name?
Panel 3
No family member is available yet. Earlier notes document his alertness.
Night nurse: The change is clear in the records. We will not wait.
Panel 4
Assessment and treatment start now. Staff continue to seek further history.
Commentary
Staff observations and earlier records can show a recent change in attention or alertness. Continue assessment and care while seeking more information about how the person usually is.