In completion of this case study, learners will be able to use a systematic approach to assess the multifactorial etiologies that can contribute to acute mental status changes (i.e., delirium) in older adults, and understand how the under-recognition of delirium superimposed on dementia leads to potential deleterious outcomes for hospitalized adults. This case study covers the evidence-based strategies for assessing, preventing, and managing delirium in persons with dementia in the hospital setting. It also describes the system challenges that impact the quality of care for hospitalized older adults and its potential solutions.

The American Association of Colleges of Nursing (AACN) and the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing at New York University College of Nursing (HIGN), with generous funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation, developed these case studies to facilitate the transition to Adult-Gerontology APRN education as described in The Consensus Model for APRN Regulation: Licensure, Accreditation, Certification and Education. One of the major goals of this project is to provide Primary and Acute Care Adult NP faculty, Adult CNS faculty, and other faculty who prepare NPs or CNSs to care for older adults, (e.g. FNPs, WHNPs, Women’s Health CNSs), with multiple resources and strategies to assist them in making this transition.