Case 18 of 40
Help people mobilise safely while they recover from delirium
Example case for staff education
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Mr Alvarez, 68, remains inattentive as his infection improves.
Read the case transcript
Page 1
Panel 1
Mr Alvarez, 68, remains inattentive as his infection improves.
Mr Alvarez: I want to get out of this bed.
Panel 2
His daughter describes his usual mobility.
Daughter: He walked to the shops and managed the stairs.
Panel 3
The physiotherapist checks strength, balance, pain and ability to follow instructions.
Physiotherapist: Let us see how you manage sitting first.
Panel 4
He stands with help, then forgets the walking frame.
Nurse Singh: Wait a moment. I am here beside you.
Panel 5
Staff give one instruction at a time and allow pauses.
Physiotherapist: Hold the frame. We will take one step together.
Panel 6
He manages a short supported walk and rests.
Mr Alvarez: That was harder than I expected.
Panel 7
Later, increased drowsiness prompts medical reassessment.
Nurse Singh: He is harder to engage now. Please review him.
Panel 8
Next day, activity is adjusted to his condition.
Physiotherapist: We will work with what you can manage today.
Panel 9
Mobility and attention are recorded separately, with further review planned.
Nurse Singh: He still needs help and reminders when he moves.
Commentary
Assess how the person moves and manages daily activities while continuing to assess delirium. Offer safe activity with help, adapt instructions to what they can follow, and respond to changes in alertness.