Delirium Flashcards
1
Q
What are features of delirium?
A
- disturbed conciousness
- hypoactive/hyperactuve/mixed
- change in cognition
- memory, perceptual, language, illusion, hallucinations
- acute onset and fluctuant
- disturbance of sleep wake cycle
- disturbed psychomotor behaviour
- emotional disturbance
2
Q
What precipitates dilirium?
A
- infection
- dehydration
- biochemical disturbance
- pain
- drugs
- constipation/urinary retention
- hypoxia
- drug/alcohol withdrawal
- sleep disturbance
- brain injury
- changes in environment/emotional distress
3
Q
What is non-pharmalogical treatment for dilirium?
A
- re-orientate + reassure agitated patient
- encourage elderly mobility + self-care
- correction of sensory impairment
- normalise sleep-wake cycle
- ensure continuity of care
- void urinary catheterisation/venflons
- discharge people ASAP
