ABSTRACT
Orientation refers to whether patients know who they are, where they are, and whether they are aware of the date and time. Knowing whether a patient is orientated will help one in determining up front whether cognitive problems might be present. It offers information regarding whether the patient is updating their memory, and whether they are in touch with the present reality. In relation to interventions and coping strategies for patients who are disorientated, the initial focus is on determining the underlying cause. Once a cause has been identified, the focus changes to treating this cause in order for the patient to return to an orientated state as quickly as possible. In cases where the problem is potentially reversible or treatable, such as those resulting from the metabolic deficiencies or seizure disorders, a return to being fully orientated is possible.
