What it means
A change in thinking in which the person is disoriented, has trouble following a conversation, makes poor decisions or does not recognize familiar people or places. Sudden confusion that comes and goes is often deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , which has a cause such as infection, low oxygen, low blood sugar, drugs, dehydration or alcohol withdrawal. Slow, steady confusion over months or years suggests dementia.
For the nurse
New or worse confusion is a change in condition: check vital signs, oxygen saturation and blood glucose, and report it. Keep the client safe, reorient gently and keep glasses and hearing aids in place.
At a glance
| Spanish | confusión |
|---|---|
| Also written | confused |
Related terms
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
cognitive impairment
Trouble with thinking, memory, learning, attention or making decisions that is more than expected for the person's age.
consciousness
The state of being awake and aware of oneself and one's surroundings.
orientation
A person's awareness of who they are, where they are, what time it is and what is happening.