CHAPTER 12 Mental Health^469
TREATMENT
- Psychotherapy:
- Interpersonal therapy.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy.
- Family therapy.
- Medical management of electrolyte imbalance—replacement as needed.
- Monitor cardiac rhythm for rate and presence of arrhythmia.
- Monitor vital signs.
- Monitor weight.
- Monitor fluid and calorie intake.
NURSING DIAGNOSIS
- Disturbed body image
- Imbalanced nutrition: less than what body requires
- Altered dentition
NURSING INTERVENTION
- Monitor vital signs.
- Monitor calorie intake.
- Monitor cardiac rate and rhythm.
- Monitor lab results; report abnormalities.
Delirium
WHAT WENT WRONG?
Patients exhibit a global disturbance in cognitive functions that may develop rap-
idly, sometimes within hours. Symptom severity may vary during the course of the
day, depending on cause of symptoms. The patient with a sudden onset of disori-
entation and behavioral changes, especially the elderly patient, is often sent for a
psychiatric evaluation.
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