delirium

Question 1

what is delirium

Answer 1

acute and fluctuating disturbance in level of consciouness

Question 2

what age groups does it most commonly occur in ?

Answer 2

elderly and very young

Question 3

symptoms?

Answer 3

Disorientation (time/place/person);
Inattention;
Illusions/hallucinations;
Altered personality;
Mood disorders;

Question 4

what are the symptoms like over the day and when are they worst?

Answer 4

fluctuate over the day and worst at night

Question 5

how do you differentiate delirium and dementia

Answer 5

delirium is sudden onset and fluctuating course over days-weeks
dementia has a gradual onset over months-years

Question 6

what is attention like in dementia and delirium?

Answer 6

preserved in dementia, gone in delirium

Question 7

level of consciousness in delirium and dementia?

Answer 7

variation in level of consciousness in delirium, unimpaired in dementia

Question 8

what test would show deficits in attention ?

Answer 8

MMSE

Question 9

the confusion assessment method states that the following features are diagnostic?

Answer 9

Acute change in cognition which fluctuates during the day;
Inattention;
Disturbance of consciousness;
Disorganised thinking

Question 10

what is the treatment of delirium?

Answer 10

treat the underlying cause or remove aggrevating drugs
Environmental management: nurse patients in a quiet and well-lit room
Minimise sensory deficits (check hearing aids/glasses etc.)

Question 11

what can agitation be managed with?

Answer 11

haloperidol or lorazepam

Question 12

why should bentos be avoided?

Answer 12

they may worsen or prolong delirium