Final answer:
A patient at risk for delirium is usually someone facing a serious illness or undergoing surgery. Elderly patients with pre-existing cognitive impairment are particularly vulnerable.
Step-by-step explanation:
A patient who could be at risk for delirium is someone who is facing a serious illness or undergoing a surgical procedure. Delirium is a state of mental confusion that can occur due to various factors such as infection, medications, or underlying medical conditions. Elderly patients are particularly vulnerable to delirium, especially if they have pre-existing cognitive impairment.
For example, an elderly patient who is admitted to the hospital for a hip replacement surgery may be at risk for delirium. The stress of the surgery, changes in the environment, medications such as anesthesia and painkillers, and the disruption of normal sleep-wake cycles can all contribute to the development of delirium.
To reduce the risk of delirium, healthcare professionals can take various measures such as keeping the patient's environment calm and familiar, promoting good sleep hygiene, and carefully managing medications to minimize their impact on cognitive function. Early recognition and prompt treatment of delirium are essential to prevent complications and ensure optimal patient outcomes.