Management of Demented Patients in Emergency Department

Table 3

Clinical assessment of patients with dementia.

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Anamnesis: medical history collected or at least confirmed by the principal caregiver or a person who knows the history

 Risk of underestimation of the symptom in older cognitively compromised

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Objective examination: patient visit in order to capture significant clinical signs

 Useful indicator of an underlying organic disease not reported or underestimated by the patient and the family

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Pharmacological anamnesis: drug history of the patient

 Many drugs may cause side effects, especially when administered by not clinical prepared persons

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Vital signs: for better understanding of the patient's general condition

 Determination of blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation (blood gas, or), body temperature, and glycemia

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