can be used to assist in determining the differences between delirium and other disorders. These are
temporal onset of symptoms, fluctuation of symptoms severity, and physical disorder. Although these
three items are added to the severity score, they are not included in the severity score (Trzepacz et al.,
2001).
Use of Rating Scale
There are different scales that can be used to screen for delirium. Mostly, each scale varies in the
coverage of delirium severity and how intense a symptom is rated (Llisterri-Sánchez et al., 2023). The
DRS-R-98 is more sensitive to changes found in patients. Meaning, it is more appropriate to use the DRS-
R-98 scale when monitoring patients over a period of time. During the psychiatric interview, I think that
it would be appropriate to use this scale in the inpatient setting. For example, when patients are in the
hospital for extended periods of time they can develop hospital induced delirium (Llisterri-Sánchez et al.,
2023). Hospital induced delirium is temporary but can be severe and lead to a longer hospital stay and
further complications. Things that could cause this condition include starting new medication, infections,
and dehydration. During the psychiatric interview, it would be appropriate to use this scale after
examining the psychiatric history and after going through the psychiatric review of symptoms. This gives
the provider a broader outlook on the patient to gain understanding of everything that is going on, what
has happened with the patient before and during their hospital admission, and where things took a turn
(Llisterri-Sánchez et al., 2023).
The DRS-R-98 scale is helpful to a nurse practitioner because they can help determine patient safety. This
is a great way to assess the care that patients receive in the hospital. The nurse practitioner plays an
important role in the detection and management of delirium. They are able to assess the
appropriateness of scheduled medications, as well as discontinuing inappropriate medications, and work
alongside the treatment team to help diagnose, treat, and manage delirium (Boland & Verduin, 2022).
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is essential that the inter professional team work together to effectively care for
patients. All healthcare professionals that are involved in a patient's care play a vital role in the
treatment and management of a patient's illnesses. When appropriate assessment tools are used
properly, healthcare professionals are able to gather important information that can help shorten a
patient's hospital stay, improve the quality of life, how to manage their care at home, and hopefully
decrease hospital admissions.
References:
Boland, R. & Verduin, M. L. & Ruiz, P. (2022). Kaplan & Sadock’s synopsis of psychiatry (12th ed.). Wolters
Kluwer.
Carlat, D. J. (2017). The psychiatric interview (4th ed.). Wolters Kluwer.
Goldberg, D. P., Cooper, B., Eastwood, M. R., Kedward, H. B., Shepherd, M., Shamblaw, A. L., Cardy, R. E.,
Prost, E., & Harkness, K. L. (2019). Standardized Psychiatric Interview. [Title denoted in this Source:
Clinical Interview Schedule]. Archives of Women’s Mental Health, 22, 199–213.
Llisterri-Sánchez, P., Benlloch, M., & Pérez-Ros, P. (2023). The Confusion Assessment Method Could Be
More Accurate than the Memorial Delirium Assessment Scale for Diagnosing Delirium in Older Cancer
