NE9.5 Delirium

Delirium is an [blank_start]acute[blank_end] confusional state in medically [blank_start]unwell[blank_end] patients. More common in: Older people. those with [blank_start]memory[blank_end] problems or poor [blank_start]eyesight or hearing[blank_end], those who've had recent [blank_start]surgery[blank_end], or those with [blank_start]terminal[blank_end] illness or brain illness (infection, stroke, head injury).

Delirium vs. Dementia... Delirium onset is [blank_start]hours[blank_end] to days, lasts hours to [blank_start]weeks[blank_end], person displays [blank_start]altered[blank_end] consciousness, attention [blank_start]impairment[blank_end], and it is reversible. Dementia onset is [blank_start]months[blank_end] to years, lasts months to [blank_start]years[blank_end], usually person is [blank_start]conscious[blank_end], has good [blank_start]attention[blank_end](except in severe cases), and it is irreversible.

Common Causes: PINCHME P[blank_start]ain[blank_end] I[blank_start]nfection[blank_end] N[blank_start]utrition[blank_end] C[blank_start]onstipation[blank_end] H[blank_start]ydration[blank_end] M[blank_start]edication[blank_end] E[blank_start]nvironment[blank_end]

Management - Find and treat [blank_start]underlying[blank_end] cause. Other Treatment: 1. Sedatives Benzodiazepines e.g. [blank_start]lorazepam[blank_end] can make delirium [blank_start]worse[blank_end], but can • [blank_start]Allow[blank_end] investigations or treatment • Stop person [blank_start]endangering[blank_end] themselves or others • Relieve [blank_start]agitation, anxiety[blank_end] 2. Antipsychotics e.g. haloperidol, olanzapine • Manage [blank_start]hallucinations[blank_end]