What it means
A type of hallucinationhuh-loo-sih-NAY-shunHearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.Full entry in which the person sees people, animals, shapes or lights that others do not. It is more common in deliriumdih-LEER-ee-umA sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.Full entry , alcohol withdrawal (delirium tremensdih-LEER-ee-um TREE-menzThe most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, with sudden confusion and overactivity of the nervous system.Full entry ), some dementias, drug use and as a side effect of some Parkinson medicines than in schizophrenia, where hearing voices is more typical.
For the nurse
Do not argue about what the client sees; say calmly that you do not see it, and keep them safe. Report new hallucinations, because they may point to a medical cause such as delirium.
At a glance
| Also written | visual hallucinations |
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Related terms
delirium
A sudden state of confusion and poor attention that comes and goes over hours or days.
hallucination
Hearing, seeing, feeling, smelling or tasting something that is not really there.
psychosis
A mental state in which a person loses contact with reality.
delirium tremens
The most severe form of alcohol withdrawal, with sudden confusion and overactivity of the nervous system.