Delirium Flashcards

1
Q

Define delirium

A

Disturbance in attention with change in cognition, developing over a short period with a fluctuating course

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2
Q

Compare the onset of delirium with dementia

A

Dementia: chronic, slow
Delirium: acute, sudden

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3
Q

Compare the course of delirium with dementia

A

Dementia: progressive, irreversible
Delirium: fluctuating, reversible

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4
Q

List some symptoms of delirium

A

Agitation, restless (hyperactive)
Slow, sleepy (hypoactive)
Fluctuating emotions
Impaired attention

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5
Q

List predisposing factors for getting delirium

A
Old age
Sensory impairment
Polypharmacy
Dementia, depression
Alcohol dependency
Malnutrition
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6
Q

Hypoactive delirium has twice the mortality of hyperactive delirium. True/False?

A

True

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7
Q

Describe the 4AT tool for diagnosing delirium

A
Alertness
AMT4 (age, dob, place, year)
Attention
Fluctuating course
Score of 2 = delirium
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8
Q

State the 4 hallmark features of delirium, described by the confusion assessment method (CAM)

A

Inattention
Fluctuating course
Disorganised thinking
Altered consciousness

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9
Q

How is delirium mainly treated?

A

Support, advice, reassurance, education

Symptom control

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10
Q

Which medication may be used for delirium?

A

Haliperidol low-dose oral
Quetiapine if Parkinson’s
Benzodiazepine if alcohol withdrawal

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