Delirium Flashcards
What is delirium?
Acute, confusional state involving memory, speech and perception problems
Give 6 examples of common delirium triggers
Dehydration Alcoholism Strong painkiller use Change in meds/environment Infection MI
What neurotransmitter is mostly affected in delirium?
ACh
Give 4 examples of direct insults to the brain which may cause delirium
Drugs
Hypoxia
Hyponatraemia
Hypoglycaemia
What tools are used to assess delirium?
CAM
4AT
What are the components of the CAM score?
Acute and fluctuating AND Inattention WITH Altered conscious OR Disorganised thinking
What are the components of the 4AT?
Alertness
AMT4
Attention
Acute or fluctating
What is the 4AT marked out of?
12
Over which score on the 4AT is suggestive of delirium?
4
What is the AMT4 part of the 4AT?
Ask age; DOB; place; current year
How do you assess attention in the 4AT?
Months of the year backwards
How is delirium managed non-pharmacologically?
Calm, well lit, quiet side room
Familiar staff and belongings
How may delirium be pharmacologically managed?
Haloperidol max 5mg PO over 24 hours
Quetiapine 25mg PO
Benzodiazepines
Sedatives
What drug is given in delirium if caused by alcohol or benzodiazepine withdrawal?
Benzodiazepine
Or if there is a seizure
Which drug is known to worsen delirium?
Lorazepam