What is a recommended nursing intervention for patients with delirium?

Maintaining a safe environment and reassuring the patient is a critical nursing intervention for individuals experiencing delirium. Delirium is characterized by acute confusion, changes in alertness, and altered cognition, which can easily lead to heightened anxiety or distress in patients. By ensuring that the environment is safe, nurses can minimize risks such as falls or injury, which are particularly important given the disoriented state of these patients.

Reassurance is essential because it helps to alleviate feelings of confusion and fear that patients may feel during a delirious episode. A calm and supportive presence can help guide them and provide orientation, which can be comforting. Creating a familiar and secure space, where the patient feels protected and supported, can have a positive impact on their overall well-being.

In contrast, other interventions such as restricting visitors may increase feelings of isolation or fear, which could worsen the patient’s condition. Increasing environmental stimulus or administering high doses of sedatives is not recommended, as these actions could worsen confusion and agitation. The emphasis instead should be on providing a stable, reassuring environment while monitoring for safety.