Effective nursing care for older patients experiencing delirium

Delirium is a common and serious health challenge for hospitalized older adults and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality rates. Nurses have a key role in identifying older patients with delirium. Because they provide a round-the-clock bedside care, they may be the first to notice changes in a patient s baseline cognition. However, despite its significance, delirium is often under-recognized by nursing staff To recognize the emergency of delirium and to intervene appropriately, nurses must know delirium risk factors, frequently assess older patients for signs and symptoms of delirium, and initiate nursing actions to improve patient-care outcomes.