Delirium

Question 1

What are the different type of delirium?

Answer 1

Hypoactive (40%)
Hyperactive (25%)
Mixed (35%)

Question 2

Give some features of hypoactive delirium

Answer 2

Lethargy and decreased motor activity

Mistake for depression

Question 3

Give some features of hyperactive delirium

Answer 3

Increased motor activity and associated agitation, hallucinations and inappropriate behaviour
Often treated inappropriately with sedating drugs

Question 4

Describe mixed delirium

Answer 4

Have symptoms of both hypo and hyperactive delirium, will fluctuate during the day

Question 5

What are some important things to find out in the history for someone with delirium?

Answer 5

Onset and course
Co-morbidities
Previous episodes
Drug history
Alcohol
Sensory deficit
Functional status
Intellectual function and education
Social circumstances

Question 6

What are the questions on an AMT?

Answer 6

1. Age
2. Time to nearest hour
3. 42 West Street recall
4. Year
5. Name of hospital
6. Recognition of two people
7. DOB
8. Yr of start of 1WW (1914)
9. Name of current monarch
10. Count backwards from 20 to 1
    Recall 42 West Street

Question 7

What are the features assessed on the Confusion Assessment Method?

Answer 7

Need to have 1 &2 with one of 3 or 4

1. Acute onset and fluctuating course
2. Inattention
3. Disorganised thinking
4. Altered level of conciousness