6. Delirium

Question 1

How is a pt’s risk for delirium defined?

Answer 1

The sum of predisposing and precipitating factor. The more predisposing fators present, the fewer precipitating events required to cause delirium

Question 2

What is CAM and what does it measure?

Answer 2

Confusion Assessment Measurement - examines 4 key features of delirium:

1. acute change in mental status and fluctuating course
2. inattention
3. disorganized thinking
4. abnormal level of consciousness

Question 3

What is HELP and what are the 6 risk factors it targets?

Answer 3

Hospital Elder Life Program - targets:

1. cognitive impairment
2. sleep deprivation
3. immobility
4. visual impairment
5. hearing impairment
6. dehydration

Question 4

What is the most effective, proven approach to prevent delirium?

Answer 4

practive, multifactorial, nonpharmacologic intervention, such as HELP

Question 5

What is important to determine about delirium during H&P?

Answer 5

timeline of mental status

Question 6

When are medications used for Sx of delirium and what are the DOC?

Answer 6

When the pet experiences delusions or hallucinations that are frightening to the pt or cause them to have dangerous behaviors?
Drugs: high potency antipsychotics

Question 7

How is the timeline important for delrium pts?

Answer 7

Pts with delirium that persist for less than 2 weeks wil probably recover; pts with delirium lasting longer than 2 weeks are much less likely to return