Delirium Part 2: Tools and Techniques for Screening and Assessment
Presented by Kathleen Fletcher and Heather Teller
Delirium can be difficult to recognize and distinguish between other mental disorders such as dementia and depression. This second course, in a series of three on delirium, gives nurses in all settings a framework for identifying the various features of each of the 3 D’s (delirium, dementia, and depression,) and provides guidance on recognizing when the presentation may be a mixed form. Because the presentation may not be obvious, the routine use of evidence-based tools is recommended. Several of these tools will be discussed. Family members and all members of the health care team can be instrumental is observing and reporting changes in mental status to a health care professional.
Meet your instructors
Kathleen Fletcher
Kathleen Fletcher is currently working as a PRN staff nurse at the Riverside Center for Excellence in Aging and Lifelong Health and as a Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Virginia School of Nursing. She maintains a hands-on role, working as a clinician, educator, and researcher in gerontology for more than 35…
Heather Teller
Heather Teller is a Virginia-based nurse educator and acute care facility staff development coordinator. For the past eight years, she has worked on the subject of delirium as part of an interdisciplinary team at Riverside Health System. During that time, she developed the nursing education program to help reduce…
Chapters & learning objectives
1. Presenting Features of Delirium, Dementia, Depression, and Mixed Forms
Nurses in all settings need to able to recognize that delirium, dementia, and depression are common mental disorders in the elderly. They need to be able to assess if delirium is the primary concern, or if it coexists with dementia and/or depression, in order to tailor and modify the plan of care accordingly. This chapter will help nurses distinguish between presenting features of the 3 Ds.
2. Evidence-Based Screening Tools and Techniques for Delirium
The routine use of a standardized delirium screening is the most effective way of screening due to the fluctuating nature of delirium. In addition, there are techniques and approaches that may be helpful in the assessment of delirium. In this chapter, several screening tools will be discussed.
3. Role of the Family and Care Team Members in the Identification of Changes in Mental Status
In all settings, nurses work with families and members of the interprofessional team. This chapter focuses on the important role of caregivers in identifying and reporting on mental status changes.
More courses in this series
Delirium Part 1: Prevalence, Pathology, Risk Factors, and Prevention
Kathleen Fletcher and Heather Teller
Delirium Part 2: Tools and Techniques for Screening and Assessment
Kathleen Fletcher and Heather Teller
Delirium Part 3: Interventions in the Management and Treatment
Kathleen Fletcher and Heather Teller
Delirium: Observing and Reporting Mental Status Changes by the Nursing Assistant
Kathleen Fletcher and Heather Teller
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