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Not just sleeping

Illustrated Story B46, with a text transcript.

Read story B46: Not just sleeping (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, Not just sleeping. Phil, a middle-aged white man on a ward, is much less responsive. An initial comment suggests that sleep will help. His wife explains that he is difficult to wake and cannot follow her voice. The nurse comes immediately and the team urgently assesses him. His wife is promised an update. Footer: Unusual sleepiness can be a sign of delirium or another urgent problem.

An unusually sleepy or less responsive person needs attention, especially when this is a new change. Delirium is one possibility, but other serious medical problems can also make the person slower to respond.

Tell staff clearly if someone is difficult to wake or can’t respond as usual. Ask for urgent checks by the team. This is different from an ordinary rest. At home, call local emergency services if someone becomes suddenly confused or is difficult to wake. Do not wait to see how they are tomorrow.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Phil is much less responsive than yesterday.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Care assistant: Sleep will help him recover.

  3. Panel 3.

    • Janet: He’s difficult to wake and can’t follow my voice.

  4. Panel 4. The nurse comes immediately.

  5. Panel 5. The team urgently checks what is wrong.

  6. Panel 6.

    • Nurse: We’re assessing him now. We’ll keep you updated.

Bottom band. Unusual sleepiness can be a sign of delirium or another urgent problem.

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