6. Delirium Flashcards
1
Q
How common is it?
A
20% of elderly patients in hospital
2
Q
Who does it affect?
A
Anyone of any age
More common in elderly
3
Q
What causes it?
A
UTIs Stroke / TIA Hypoglycaemia Head trauma Medications CO poisoning Severe asthma exacerbation PINCH ME
4
Q
What risk factors are there?
A
Elderly
Diabetics
Asthmatics
5
Q
How does it present?
A
Acute confusional state Changes in alertness Hallucinations Social withdrawal Agitation
6
Q
What signs may the patient have on examination?
A
Patient may be hyper or hypoactive
7
Q
What other conditions might present similarly?
A
Alcohol withdrawal Dementia Drug use Schizophrenic episode Mania (hyper-)
8
Q
How would you investigate?
A
Review of medication Urinalysis CT head Bloods Blood glucose
9
Q
What treatments are there?
A
Treat underlying cause
Orientation to time, place and person
10
Q
What complications are there?
A
Falls, aggression
Malnutrition
Disorientation
