Question

An 82-year-old woman with a fractured neck of femur becomes increasingly confused and agitated on the ward at night. She is pulling at her IV lines and trying to climb out of bed. She has a urinary catheter and is on opioids. Vital signs show low-grade fever and mild tachycardia. What is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

Accepted Answer

Assess for and treat underlying causes such as infection, pain and urinary retention, optimise orientation and use non-pharmacological delirium strategies

Answer

Administer high-dose benzodiazepines to sedate her

Answer

Remove all sensory aids and keep lights off

Answer

Apply physical restraints without further assessment

Answer

Ignore symptoms as common in the elderly

Practice question