Read story A04: The change you can describe (image and text)
The 4AT is a short check used when delirium is suspected. It includes brief questions and a check of how well the person can pay attention. It also asks whether there has been a sudden change or changes during the day.
Information from someone who knows the person can be very useful. Say what changed, when it began and what the person was like beforehand. Staff may also use the person’s account, records and observations from other people.
Story text
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Panel 1. The nurse may do a short test called the 4AT.
- Nurse: Mr Hughes, can you tell me the months of the year backwards, starting from December?
- Dad: December… November… er…
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Panel 2.
- Nurse: Has there been a sudden change in the last two weeks?
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Panel 3.
- David: Yes. Since Monday. He’s been ringing me at night, muddled.
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Panel 4. What you know can help answer the acute-change part of the 4AT.
- Nurse: That is very useful information. Thank you.
Bottom band. Tell staff what changed and when. It helps them assess for delirium.