A patient admitted to the ICU develops delirium characterized by acute onset confusion and agitation. What intervention should the healthcare team prioritize to manage the patient's delirium?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The healthcare team should prioritize implementing environmental modifications to promote orientation in a patient with delirium. Delirium is a state of acute confusion and agitation that can be triggered by various factors such as medications, infections, or metabolic disturbances. Environmental modifications involve creating a calm, quiet, and well-lit environment for the patient. Promoting proper orientation through the use of clocks, calendars, and familiar objects can help reduce confusion and improve the patient's understanding of their surroundings. These interventions are non-pharmacological and aim to address the underlying causes of delirium while minimizing the need for additional medications that may have potential side effects. Antipsychotic medications and benzodiazepines should be used judiciously and under close supervision due to the risk of adverse effects in older adults and critically ill patients. Referring the patient to a psychiatrist may be considered if the delirium is complex or if there are underlying psychiatric issues contributing to the presentation.