Managing geriatric psychiatric emergencies: delirium and dementia

As the population ages, nurses in various clinical settings must identify high-risk groups that are vulnerable to delirium and dementia. They also must be able to provide psychosocial and pharmacologic interventions that promote comfort and safety for patients and their families experiencing these distressful medical conditions. Efforts to facilitate healthy resolution and restore the patient and caregivers to an optimal level of functioning must be priorities.