Work

Recognizing Delirium Superimposed on Dementia: Assessing Nurses' Knowledge Using Case Vignettes

Year: 2007

Type: article

Abstract: Delirium is a serious and prevalent problem that occurs in many hospitalized older adults. Delirium superimposed on dementia (DSD) occurs when a delirium occurs concurrently with a pre-existing dementia. DSD is typically underrecognized by medical and nursing staff. The current study measured nursing identification of DSD using standardized case vignettes, and the Mary Starke Harper Aging Knowledge Exam (MSHAKE). Results revealed that the nurses in this study had a high level of general geropsychiatric nursing knowledge as measured by the MSHAKE, yet had difficulty recognizing DSD compared to dementia alone and delirium alone. Only 21% were able to correctly identify the hypoactive form of DSD, and 41% correctly identified hypoactive delirium alone in the case vignettes. Interventions and educational programs designed to increase nursing awareness of DSD symptoms could help to decrease this gap in nursing knowledge.

Source: Journal of Gerontological Nursing

DOI: 10.3928/00989134-20070201-09

Authors: Donna M. Fick, Denise M. Hodo, Frank Lawrence, Sharon K. Inouye

Institutions: Pennsylvania State University, Augusta University, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Hebrew SeniorLife

Language: English

Topic: Intensive Care Unit Cognitive Disorders

Subfield: Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funders: Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, National Institute on Aging