Question

After cardiac bypass surgery, a 60-year-old man experiences a sudden disturbance of consciousness, with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention. Appropriate interventions would include any of the following except:

1) Use of an anti-psychotic medication
2) Placing a television set in the patient's room
3) Temporarily prohibiting family members from visiting
4) Supportive therapy including fluid and electrolyte maintenance

Answer 1

For delirium after cardiac bypass surgery, appropriate interventions include supportive therapy and addressing underlying causes. Anti-psychotic medications may not be necessary initially. The correct option is 1) Use of an antipsychotic medication

Step-by-step explanation:

After cardiac bypass surgery, a sudden disturbance of consciousness with reduced ability to focus, sustain, or shift attention can be a sign of delirium. Delirium is a common complication following cardiac surgery and can be caused by multiple factors, including medication side effects, electrolyte imbalance, and sleep deprivation. Appropriate interventions for delirium would include supportive therapy, such as fluid and electrolyte maintenance, and addressing any underlying causes. However, the use of antipsychotic medications may not be appropriate unless other interventions have been ineffective or if the patient is experiencing severe agitation or psychosis.

Placing a television set in the patient's room can actually be a helpful intervention as it can provide stimulation and distraction, reducing feelings of boredom and restlessness. Temporarily prohibiting family members from visiting may also be a necessary intervention in some cases to minimize external stimuli and allow the patient to rest and recover. However, it is important to involve the patient's family in the care plan and provide them with updates and support. The correct option is 1) Use of an anti-psychotic medication