NUR104 Case Study: Biophysical and Psychosocial Processes of Delirium

This case study analyzes the case of Louis, an 86-year-old patient experiencing delirium. The assignment delves into the biophysical processes, highlighting the impact of delirium on cerebral oxidative mechanisms, neurotransmitter markers, and inflammatory markers. It also examines the psychosocial processes, particularly the inattention, disorientation, and potential for hallucinations associated with delirium, affecting the patient's thinking capacity and social interactions. The mental status examination is identified as the appropriate assessment tool, with attention as the primary element. The assignment outlines three priorities of care: administering medication, promoting patient-centered care, and addressing the underlying causes of delirium. Finally, it discusses equity, rights, and access issues, emphasizing the importance of family involvement, patient rights to care, evidence-based practices, privacy, and patient safety. References are included to support the analysis.