Delirium

Question 1

What is delirium?

Answer 1

An acute deterioration of mental functioning which arises over hours/days.

Can be triggered by acute medical illness, surgery, trauma or drugs.

Question 2

Is delirium a medical emergency?

Answer 2

Yes

Question 3

How long does delirium last?

Answer 3

Can be days-months.

Question 4

How can delirium present?

Answer 4

May be hyperactive or hypoactive.

Question 5

What form of delirium is easier to diagnose?

Answer 5

Hyperactive

Question 6

What form of delirium is associated with a higher mortality?

Answer 6

Hypoactive - as it is easily missed.

Question 7

What age-group of patients must be screened for delirium upon admission to hospital?

Answer 7

All patients over 65.

Question 8

What is the screening test for delirium called?

Answer 8

4-AT score.

Question 9

What is first-line therapy for delirium?

Answer 9

Haloperidol

Can be given orally or intramuscularly.

Question 10

At which time of the day is delirium said to be worse?

Answer 10

Delirium tends to be worse in the evening.