Lorraine Poulos

An acutely disturbed state of mind characterised by restlessness, delusions, hallucinations, and incoherence. It may occur in intoxication, fever, and other disorders such as dementia and mental health disorders. Delirium: Creates physical changes in a person which may occur following a period of inactivity that may include muscle weakness and reduced endurance. Deconditioning: Occurs when a person has reduced ability to perform the activities of daily living such as walking or dressing, due to a decrease in physical or mental functioning. Functional Decline: This is the starting point used for comparisons, or what is normal for the consumer. Assessments undertaken by trained staff provide this information. The consumer may also have intimate knowledge of their baselines and how changes may affect them. Health baselines: Nurse Practictioner: A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a Registered Nurse (RN) experienced in their clinical specialty, educated at Masters Level, and who is endorsed by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia (NMBA) to provide patient care in an advanced and extended clinical role. Registered Nurse: Registered Nurses provide nursing care to patients in hospitals, aged care and other health care facilities, and in the community. The role is endorsed by the Nurses and Midwives Board of Australia (NMBA). Guide for consumers, carers and workers