Delirium Flashcards
1
Q
What are the four cardinal signs of delirium?
A
Fluctuating mental status
Altered consciousness
Inattention
Disordered thinking
2
Q
What are the predisposing factors to delirium?
A
Increased age Cognitive impairment Visual or hearing impairment Functional impairment Co-morbid illness Previous history of delirium Surgery Hospitalisation Dehydration Frailty
3
Q
What are the possible triggers of delirium?
A
Infection Hypoxia Shock Cardiac illness Electrolyte disturbance Constipation Stroke / TIA Meningitis Pain Use of physical restraints Sleep deprivation Invasive monitoring Alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal Medications - antidepressants, alcohol, analgesia, opiates, anti-parkinsons drugs, anticholinergics, steroids, narcotics
4
Q
What initial investigations should be conducted in delirium to investigate the underlying cause?
A
FBC U+Es LFTs Glucose Urinalysis CXR Drug levels ECG ABG/VBG
