Read story C13: Not simply the anaesthetic (image and text)
Delirium days after surgery: why new confusion needs assessment
Ruth was talking clearly after her operation, then became confused two days later. Her husband wonders whether the anaesthetic is still wearing off. The nurse treats this as a new change needing assessment. Postoperative delirium is not explained simply by the word anaesthetic; clinicians consider the whole illness, recovery, medicines and possible complications.
Story text
Panel 1. The day after surgery.
- Ruth: Did you phone the family?
Panel 2. Day three.
- Ruth: Whose house is this?
Panel 3.
- Michael: Could the anaesthetic still be wearing off?
Panel 4.
- Nurse: This is a new change. We need to assess it now.
Panel 5. The team checks for delirium and problems contributing to it.
Panel 6.
- Surgeon: She has postoperative delirium. We’re treating the problems we find.
Bottom band. New confusion after surgery needs assessment—not an assumption that the anaesthetic will wear off.