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The nurse noticed first

Illustrated Story B39, with a text transcript.

Read story B39: The nurse noticed first (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, The nurse noticed first. Pearl, an older Black woman with dementia, is usually interested in her daughter’s visits. Today she is withdrawn and inattentive. Her daughter wonders if this is just a quiet day. The nurse recognises a change, asks about Pearl’s usual self and arranges delirium assessment. Family and staff share their observations. Footer: Quiet delirium can be easy to miss. A change deserves attention.

Good delirium care includes noticing small changes. A nurse may recognise that someone is quieter, slower or less able to pay attention before the family realises there is a problem.

Staff and relatives can share what they have noticed to help explain the change. This is especially important when a person already has dementia. A person can be quiet and still have delirium or feel distressed. A new change needs a check by a doctor or nurse, even when there is no shouting, restlessness or obvious upset.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Pearl has dementia, but usually enjoys Natalie’s visits.

  2. Panel 2. Today she is unusually withdrawn and inattentive.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Natalie: Perhaps she’s just having a quiet day.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: This is different. What is she usually like?

  5. Panel 5.

    • Nurse: I’ll arrange assessment for delirium.

  6. Panel 6. Family knowledge and nursing observation come together.

Bottom band. Quiet delirium can be easy to miss. A change deserves attention.

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