Course ID: FQUEWU403
Course Name: Understanding Delirium: Why Are My Older Patients Trying to Climb Over the Bedrails?
Credits: 3

This three contact hour home-study continuing education course focuses on the assessment, prevention and management of delirium in older adults experiencing an acute illness. Altered mental status may be a presenting symptom of delirium, depression and dementia, making it important to differentiate between these syndromes so that appropriate interventions can be initiated. Altered mental states in hospitalized older adults are poorly understood, often attributed to old age, frequently unrecognized, and lead to iatrogenic complications that can be prevented through appropriate assessment and treatment. Factors contributing to the development of delirium, nursing assessment, and protocols for the prevention, assessment, and treatment of this condition will be presented. A nursing situation will be utilized to assist the learner in differentiating and responding appropriately to alterations in mental status during acute illness.

About the Author
Dr Touhy is an Associate Professor and Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Programs in the Christine E Lynn College of Nursing at Florida Atlantic University. She is an ARNP and a CNS in gerontological nursing and teaches courses in gerontological nursing and long term care in both the undergraduate and graduate programs in the College. Dr. Touhy has been a clinical nurse specialist in long term care at 2 different facilities in South Florida and is currently working with the therapeutic programs for people with mild to moderate memory impairment in the Memory and Wellness Center in the College of Nursing at FAU. Her research centers on improvement of care for persons with dementia, caring in nursing homes, and spirituality. Dr. Touhy has twice received the Distinguished Teaching Award in the College of Nursing and received the first Geriatric Faculty Award from the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing in October 2003. She has numerous publications and has presented her research at national and international conferences.

Course Objectives
Upon completion of this home-study continuing education course, the participant will be able to:

• Recognize the scope and significance of delirium
• Differentiate between the 3 types of delirium
• Differentiate between delirium, dementia and depression
• Discuss the meaning of the term confusion
• List three factors placing older adults at risk for delirium
• Utilize two instruments to assess for delirium
• Implement protocols for the prevention and management of delirium
• Identify three nursing responses for care of older people experiencing delirium.