What should be done if an elderly person experiences hallucinations after receiving a steroid injection?

After receiving a steroid injection, elderly individuals may experience hallucinations. Immediate actions include ceasing activities for safety, documenting details of the hallucinations, contacting the attending physician promptly, cooperating in adjusting the medication plan, and providing emotional support. Psychiatric symptoms caused by steroids require standardized intervention to prevent risks. If hallucinations persist or worsen, especially when accompanied by confusion or abnormal behavior, immediate medical attention is recommended.

1. Immediately stop activities and ensure protection: Remove the elderly person from potentially dangerous environments and stop walking, operating machinery, or other risky behaviors to prevent accidents such as falls or collisions due to hallucinations. Assign someone to stay with them at all times to prevent wandering or self-harm.

2. Record details of the hallucinations: Observe and document the time, frequency, and content of hallucinations, as well as any accompanying symptoms such as agitation, insomnia, or disorganized speech. This information helps the doctor make an accurate assessment and prevents key symptom details from being missed.

3. Contact the attending physician promptly: Inform the doctor about the type, dosage, and timing of the steroid injection, along with a detailed description of the hallucinations. Do not discontinue or adjust medications on your own. Let the doctor evaluate the likelihood of the symptoms being related to steroid use.

4. Cooperate in adjusting the medication regimen: Follow medical advice to adjust steroid dosage, switch medications, or add anti-psychotic drugs as needed. Strictly adhere to the new treatment plan and monitor whether symptoms gradually improve.

5. Provide enhanced emotional support: Use a gentle tone to comfort the elderly person, reassuring them that the hallucinations are a temporary drug reaction. Avoid exacerbating symptoms through fear or anxiety. Keep the environment quiet and minimize sensory stimulation.

Maintain a clean, obstacle-free living space, establish regular routines for meals and sleep, avoid strong lighting and noise disturbances, provide companionship, engage in patient communication, closely monitor changes in mental status, and attend follow-up appointments as scheduled per medical advice.