About this topic
Altered mental status is not an illness. It is a term used to tell about how some health problem changes the way a persons brain acts. It is also used to tell about how awake and aware the person is. It is also called AMS. ‚
These terms help describe how awake and aware you are: ‚
- Mild confusion ¢ ˆ ’ You are disoriented, but easy to wake up.
- Delirium ¢ ˆ ’ You may have hallucinations or delusions.
- Obtunded ¢ ˆ ’ Your responses are slow. You are not able to fully wake up.
- Sleep-like state or daze ¢ ˆ ’ You have little response. You are not able to wake up.
- Comatose ¢ ˆ ’ You are not able to response. You are not able to wake up.
What care is needed at home?
A change in mental status can have many causes, so you need to follow the care plan given to you by your doctor. ‚
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Do not drive or run machinery until your doctor says it is OK.
- Have someone stay with you until your mental status is better.
- Wait to make important decisions until your mental status is better.
- Talk with your doctor about physical therapy to improve your strength and balance.
- Take part in social events. Being with people can help you feel better.
- Get the right amount of sleep each night.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
- Limit or do not drink beer, wine, and mixed drinks (alcohol). These may not mix with other drugs you are taking.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- You get more confused or sleepy
- Health problem is not better or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you why it is important not to drive or run machinery.
- I can tell you what I will do if I am more confused.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚