A sudden disturbance in consciousness, attention, cognition, and perception is known as acute
confusion. It can be reversed and is a sign of another ailment. Finding the triggering factor is crucial to
treating the patient and reducing confusion because causes might vary in severity. In order to determine
the underlying cause of confusion and create a successful care plan, the nursing assessment for acute
confusion comprises gathering information on the patient's cognitive function, medical history,
medication use, and potential contributing variables.
Patients with a pre-existing neurological condition, the elderly, persons who take several medications,
people who abuse alcohol or drugs, and people who live in high-stress environments are all at risk of
developing acute disorientation. Patients who already have a neurological illness, such as dementia,
traumatic brain injury, or a stroke, are more likely to have confusion because their brain may not be
functioning as it should. Confusion is more common in older people because as we get older, our brain's
capacity to comprehend information declines. People who misuse alcohol or drugs, take multiple
medications, or are multi-medicated are also more likely to experience confusion. And finally, people
who are exposed to high levels of stress are more prone to become confused.
The next stage once nurses have finished their assessments is to develop a nursing diagnosis. The
manifestation of the current medical problem and the best course of treatment for your patient can both
be determined by a diagnostic. Disorientation, decreased communication, impaired mobility, or impaired
cognitive functioning are all potential nursing diagnoses for acute confusion.
Re-education or re-orientation about reality will assist the patient in lowering perplexity, which increases
the danger of falling. The patient's risk of falling while ambulating can be reduced by being taught about
safety precautions.
Millie's perception of her health and health and health maintenance will determine the exact
interventions needed. When determining goals for health/life, assistance from the RN will ensure the
goals are attainable and appropriate for Millie's healing needs. The RN providing support and training for
the family will help attain and maintain Millie's health needs, reduce her risk of infection and
dehydration, and reduce her chances for readmission to the hospital.
In conclusion, the nursing diagnosis of acute confusion refers to a rapidly deteriorating physical and
mental condition characterized by confusion and induced by a variety of etiologies. To lessen the
intensity of the symptoms and enhance the patient's quality of life, it is critical to correctly identify and
diagnose the illness. A thorough strategy is necessary for the diagnosis of acute confusion in nursing,
including the appropriate use of diagnostic criteria, the identification of associated factors and at-risk
populations, and a set of NOC and NIC interventions.
