Read story C35: I thought the food was poisoned (image and text)
Delirium and refusing food: understanding fear and finding safe help
Fatima is frightened of the food on her tray. Arguing does not make the fear disappear. Her daughter tells staff, who check for physical problems and consider a safer, less distressing approach to meals. The team continues treatment and monitors nutrition. Neither force nor a single familiar snack is presented as the answer to every difficulty.
Story text
Panel 1.
- Fatima: They’ve put poison in it.
Panel 2.
- Mariam: It’s ordinary soup, Mum.
Panel 3.
- Mariam: You sound frightened. I’ll ask the nurse to help us.
Panel 4. The team checks what may be making eating difficult.
Panel 5.
- Nurse: Would you like to try a little of this?
Panel 6. A little is accepted. The team keeps reviewing her intake and distress.
Bottom band. Fear can affect eating during delirium. Tell staff; seek safe help rather than forcing or arguing.