NR 603 - NR 603

NR 603 - NR 603 nursing (Harvard University) () NR 603 Clinical Neuropsychology - unites the areas of biopsychology and clinical psychology, concerned with behavioral expression of the central nervous system function characteristics of signals to refer for neuropsych consult - repetitive speech, missing/confusing dates of appointments, problems complying with medical recommendations, hygiene/appearance decline, change in driving skills, medication mismanagement delirium can be indicator of - underlying physical illness in older adults Delirium characteristics - disturbance in attention, consciousness, cognition Hallmark of delirium - fluctuating/clouding consciousness diagnostic criteria for delirium - A: a disturbance in attention and awareness B: the disturbance develops over a short period of time, represents a change from baseline attention and awareness, C: an additional disturbance in cognition (memory deficit, disorientation, language, visuospatial ability or perception) D: the disturbances in Criteria A and C are not better explained by another preexisting established condition and doesn't occur in the severely reduced level of arousal, such as coma E: there is evidence from history, physical exam or lab findings that the disturbance is a direct physiological consequence of another medical condition, anticholinergics help delirium? - no. precipitate it. loss of cholinergic neurons=high risk for delirium hyperactive delirium - Increased psychomotor activity, such as rapid speech, irritability, and restlessness hypoactive delirium - • "Quiet or pleasantly confused" • Reduced activity • Lack of facial expression • Inactivity