Delirium is something that can affect people of all ages in Pinellas County, but older people are more at risk. Delirium is characterized by confusion and often develops after surgery. Studies have concluded that delirium affects around 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 who are in hospital.
The risk of delirium is higher in people who have undergone surgery, but there are various measures that can be taken in order to reduce this risk. We’ll look more at the symptoms of delirium and some of the main things that could reduce the risk of delirium when somebody has come out of surgery.
A Closer Look at Delirium
We know that delirium affects a relatively large proportion of people in hospitals, but what are the common symptoms of delirium?
Agitation or aggression: A person experiencing delirium may become agitated or aggressive due to confusion around who they are, where they are, and what is happening.
Restlessness: Delirium can cause people to feel restless, either at night while trying to sleep or during the day as a result of confused thoughts.
Hallucinations: This is another common side effect of delirium, and people who are in a hospital may experience hallucinations at any point. Hallucinations may occur with no warning.
Lethargy and tiredness: Delirium can take away a lot of energy from a person, which can result in feelings of lethargy and tiredness. You may see a person with delirium moving slower and becoming more lethargic after a short time.
While these are some of the most common symptoms of delirium, it is not an exhaustive list, and patients may experience other symptoms too.
Reducing the Risk of Delirium
There are various things that can be done in order to reduce the risk of delirium or reduce the risk of harm if a patient is experiencing delirium.
Clear Communication
Maintaining clear communication with a patient suffering from delirium can reduce the risk of the symptoms lasting even longer and can help the patient to stay calmer too. Repetition can be helpful when a patient is already experiencing delirium, and regular conversation can help to keep a person grounded while the symptoms of delirium begin to subside.
Hearing Aids
Confusion is compounded when one of the senses is lacking. This is why hearing aids can be very useful in helping to reduce the risk of delirium after surgery. If a patient already requires hearing aids, it’s important to make sure these are available and fully functioning after surgery. Hearing aids can be a vital tool in keeping delirium away for patients who suffer from hearing problems or loss of any other senses.
Good Nutrition
Ensuring a person is receiving adequate nutrition and hydration after surgery can help to reduce the risk of delirium. Poor nutrition can increase the risk of delirium, particularly after surgery, making it more important than ever to maintain a densely nutritious diet. Patients already suffering from delirium may be unwilling or unable to eat any food or stay hydrated. Taking steps to encourage the patient to eat well and drink water can help to fight against the effects of delirium.
Getting Tailored Support
It’s important to consider each individual patient and think about what support they might need. A nutritious diet is vital for all patients, while some may require increased support, such as visual aids or hearing aids. Countryside Hearing Aid Services in Pinellas County can offer a professional service for hearing aids and other hearing necessities. Whether you’re looking to support a patient with delirium or someone who is struggling with their hearing, there are options available for everyone.
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