It is important to devise a strategy to know what to do if the symptoms reappear. Patients should be advised to consult a doctor or therapist to determine what may be causing the problems. Benzodiazepines should only be used in cases of alcohol withdrawal because their usage in other conditions can prolong or exacerbate delirium.
Antipsychotics at low doses are preferable. Medications such as antipsychotics and anxiolytics are prescribed if delirium or altered mental status interferes with necessary medical care or endangers the safety of the patient. Reorient the patient frequently, provide eyeglasses and hearing aids, avoid restraints and Foley catheters and maintain regular sleep-wake cycles. The treatment should aim to repair or address the underlying pathology of altered mental status. When possible, treat the underlying cause. The tests look for signs of infection, hemorrhage around the brain and spinal cord, and other abnormalities. A needle will be inserted into the spine and extract the surrounding fluid from the spinal cord. The doctor may give the patient an anesthetic drug to numb a tiny portion of the back. The patient must remain still throughout a lumbar puncture procedure. Lumbar Puncture – A spinal tap is another terminology for a lumbar puncture.The images could show cancer cells, edema, or hemorrhage. CT Scan – used to capture photographs of the head.Chest X-ray – A chest x-ray shows an illustration of the lungs and heart to examine symptoms of infection, such as pneumonia, that could be causing the altered mental status.The blood glucose level will be measured as well. They will also reveal whether the patient has an infection or other poisons in their body. Blood tests – performed to assess the health of the liver, kidneys, and lungs.
The nurse will monitor the heart rate, pulse rate, breathing patterns, and temperature. Physical exam – checking vital signs provide healthcare providers with important information about the present state of health of the patient.The reflexes will be assessed during the exam. Neurological exam – a neurological exam informs healthcare experts if the patient has problems with the brain or nerves.The doctor will evaluate if the changes happened all at once or progressively and focus on recent events, such as accidents or other traumatic injuries or ailments. The physician or nurse will inquire about the normal mental state of the patient and his family. A history of abuse or mistreatment during childhood years.Excessive intake of alcoholic beverages or recreational substances.Few friends or a small number of healthy relationships.Brain damage caused by a catastrophic accident, such as a forceful hit to the head (traumatic brain injury).Stressful life events such as Financial struggles, the death in the family or loved ones, or divorce.Persistent (chronic) medical condition.A blood relative, such as a parent or siblings, has a history of mental illness.The following are the common risk factors for impaired or altered mental status: infections of the central nervous system (CNS).Medications with adverse effects that affect the mental status.
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