Delirium Flashcards
Define delirium
Disturbance in attention with change in cognition, developing over a short period with a fluctuating course
Compare the onset of delirium with dementia
Dementia: chronic, slow
Delirium: acute, sudden
Compare the course of delirium with dementia
Dementia: progressive, irreversible
Delirium: fluctuating, reversible
List some symptoms of delirium
Agitation, restless (hyperactive)
Slow, sleepy (hypoactive)
Fluctuating emotions
Impaired attention
List predisposing factors for getting delirium
Old age Sensory impairment Polypharmacy Dementia, depression Alcohol dependency Malnutrition
Hypoactive delirium has twice the mortality of hyperactive delirium. True/False?
True
Describe the 4AT tool for diagnosing delirium
Alertness AMT4 (age, dob, place, year) Attention Fluctuating course Score of 2 = delirium
State the 4 hallmark features of delirium, described by the confusion assessment method (CAM)
Inattention
Fluctuating course
Disorganised thinking
Altered consciousness
How is delirium mainly treated?
Support, advice, reassurance, education
Symptom control
Which medication may be used for delirium?
Haliperidol low-dose oral
Quetiapine if Parkinson’s
Benzodiazepine if alcohol withdrawal