An elderly patient who has been in the ICU for a week is preparing for transfer to the step-down unit when the nurse notices that the patient has new-onset restlessness and confusion. The patient's physiologic status is stable and otherwise unchanged. The nurse should

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's history and symptoms most likely indicate delirium associated with the sleep deprivation and sensory overload in the ICU environment, and informing the receiving nurse and transferring the patient is appropriate. Postponing the transfer is likely to prolong the delirium. Benzodiazepines and restraints contribute to delirium and agitation.

An Elderly Patient Who Has Been in the ICU for a Week