An older female adult is recovering in the intensive care unit from a bowel resection, but remains intubated and on a mechanical ventilator.Using the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP), what should the nurse implement to help prevent delirium in this older person?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Providing uninterrupted periods of rest and sleep is important in preventing delirium in older adults. Intubation and mechanical ventilation can disrupt sleep and increase the risk for delirium. The nurse should also consider non-pharmacologic interventions to promote sleep, such as adjusting the lighting and noise level in the room, limiting visitors, and promoting relaxation techniques. Assessing cognition with the Mini-Mental State Exam may be helpful in identifying cognitive changes or delirium, but it is not a preventative intervention. Maintaining sedation and pain management is important for overall comfort, but excessive sedation can increase the risk for delirium. Covering her eyes with protective ophthalmic ointment may be necessary for eye protection, but it is not a preventative intervention for delirium.

An Older Female Adult Is Recovering in the Intensive Care