Study Guide (Delirium) Flashcards
Delirium is characterized by-
A disturbance of consciousness + A change in cognition that develops rapidly over a short period of time
Delirium is always-
Secondary to another condition
When does Delirium usually begin?
Abruptly, such as after a head injury or seizure
Delirium can have a slower onset if it is being caused by-
Metabolic Imbalance or Systemic Illness
The duration of Delirium is usually brief with complete recovery. When does it start to go away?
Whenever the underlying issue is corrected
What are the symptoms of Delirium?
Difficulty Sustaining or Shifting Attention + Extreme Distractibility + Disorganized Thinking, Rambling, Irrelevant, Pressured, Incoherent Speech + Impaired Reasoning Ability + Goal-Directed Behavior + Impairment of Recent Memory + Misperceptions of the Environment (Hallucinations, Illusions) + Disturbances of LOC (Fluctuate during the day, with interruption of sleep-wake cycle) + Emotional Instability (Fear, Panic, Anger) + Autonomic Manifestations
The LOC of a pt with Delirium can range from-
Lethargy to Hypervigilance
What are some Autonomic Manifestations of Delirium?
Tachycardia, Sweating, Flushed Face, Dilated Pupils, Elevated BP
What are the Predisposing Factors of Delirium?
Systemic Infections (Like Urosepsis)
Metabolic Disorders (Like Hypoglycemia)
Respiratory Disorders (Like Hypoxia)
Substance-Induced Factors (Like the SE of Analgesics, Anxiolytics, Hormones, Diuretics, etc.)
What are things that you would assess a Delirium patient about?
Assess for fluctuating LOC
Assess EEG & Lab Values for abnormalities
Assess Vitals + Potential for injury
Assess if there’s a need for comfort measures (Pain, Cold, Positioning, etc.)
EEG is short for -
Electroencephalography
What does an EEG do?
It’s a test that measures electrical activity in the brain using electrodes attached to the scalp
How do you identify the cognitive baseline for a Delirium pt?
Interview their family + friends
A Delirium pt may regain orientation in-
2-3 Days
What are some things to note about Dementia pts?
Their room should be well-lit.
Speak in short, simple, concrete phrases.
Attempt to reuse the same personnel each shift.
Have family/friends leave the pt with meaningful items from home.
Introduce yourself and call the pt by their name with ever contact. Keep contact face to face.
Use wall clocks + calendars.
