Read story C28: He kept asking to go (image and text)
Delirium and difficulty passing urine: looking beyond apparent agitation
Arthur repeatedly tries to get up and says he needs the toilet. His daughter notices that he has passed very little urine. Staff assess him, find that his bladder is not emptying and treat the problem. His discomfort eases, but his delirium still needs care. A repeated action can be useful information about a physical need.
Story text
Panel 1.
- Arthur: I need to go again.
Panel 2.
- Mel: He’s been several times, but hardly any urine has passed.
Panel 3.
- Nurse: I’ll assess that now and ask the doctor to review him.
Panel 4. Assessment shows that his bladder is not emptying.
Panel 5.
- Doctor: We’re treating the retention and checking other causes of delirium too.
Panel 6. His discomfort eases. Delirium care continues.
Bottom band. Describe what you notice. Restlessness may be connected with a physical problem needing treatment.