What is the priority nursing intervention for a patient diagnosed with delirium who has fluctuating levels of consciousness, disturbed orientation, and perceptual alterations?

A. Avoidance of physical contact is not the priority intervention for a patient with delirium. While you may want to be gentle and avoid unnecessary contact, the priority is to ensure the patient's safety and provide support in a way that helps prevent injury, confusion, or further agitation. B. Application of wrist and ankle restraints is not recommended unless absolutely necessary for patient safety (such as if the patient is at risk of harming themselves or others). Restraints should be a last resort and only used when all other interventions have failed. C. Careful observation and supervision is the priority nursing intervention for a patient with delirium. Due to fluctuating levels of consciousness and altered perception, the patient is at risk for injury (e.g., falling, wandering). Close observation helps ensure the patient's safety and provides an opportunity to intervene if the condition worsens. D. High level of sensory input is generally not recommended for patients with delirium, as it may increase confusion and agitation. Instead, providing a calm, quiet environment with minimal distractions is typically preferred.