Read story C07: Which word do we need? (image and text)
Acute confusion, encephalopathy or delirium: what do the words mean?
Martin has heard several terms for Paul’s sudden change. He asks what the diagnosis is. The team explains that Paul has delirium and that the other words do not all mean exactly the same thing. Naming delirium clearly helps the family understand the care plan, while the team continues to investigate the cause.
Story text
Panel 1. “Acute confusion.” “Encephalopathy.” “Delirium.”
Panel 2.
- Martin: Are these all the same thing? What does Paul have?
Panel 3.
- Doctor: Paul has delirium. That is the diagnosis we should explain clearly.
Panel 4.
- Doctor: “Acute confusion” describes a change. “Encephalopathy” is a broader term for brain dysfunction.
Panel 5.
- Martin: And what is causing his delirium?
Panel 6.
- Doctor: We’re investigating that. We’ll record the delirium and explain what we know.
Bottom band. When delirium is diagnosed, name it clearly, explain it and record it.