Harry is an 85 year old man who has been brought to hospital following a fall
from a ladder in his back yard. He lives with his wife, Alice, in their own home.
He had been attempting to clean out the gutters following a storm. He is not sure
how he got to hospital and is not good at providing other health or family history.
On a Mini Mental Status Examination he scored 17 out of 30, which is well
under the cut-off score of 24. This indicates that he has possible cognitive
impairment. His dislocated shoulder has been reduced under anaesthesia
following two unsuccessful attempts at closed reduction.
Harry has not eaten or taken any fluids since returning to the ward. You
become concerned that when his wife leaves after the evening meal, he
becomes restless and begins to experience difficulty responding to directions.
The following information could help you nurse a patient like Harry.