This is caused by a sudden decline in a person’s normal mental function. It occurs when signals in the brain are not sent and received correctly, leading to confused thinking and altered behavior or levels of consciousness. Delirium is not a disease, it is a syndrome or clinical condition that is generally temporary and treatable. It is often confused with dementia because both conditions have similar symptoms, such as confusion, agitation, and delusions.
Delirium can be prevented by identifying who is vulnerable to the condition and finding ways to reduce the person’s risk. Delirium is usually caused by a number of acute (short-term) underlying conditions and medical complications. Older people are vulnerable to delirium because their bodies have fewer reserves than younger people to respond to these stressors. People with dementia are particularly at risk.
Factors that cause or increase the risk of delirium include:
-malnutrition -dehydration -new medications -a fall -surgery -infection -admission to the intensive care unit
– multiple bed movements – pain.
The diagnosis of delirium is made by observing behavior and cognitive assessment as well as asking the patient and his or her family or caregiver about any recent changes in the patient’s behavior or thinking.
Clinical care focuses on preventing delirium, managing risk factors and symptoms, and reducing the possibility of complications that prolong or worsen the condition.
To help prevent delirium we can: -Frequently reorient the person (reminding them of their location, the date and time) -Encourage the person to get out of bed and, if necessary, to walk around, while making sure that they are not fall off
manage their pain -ensure adequate nutrition and hydration -reduce their sensory deficits (by helping them put on glasses and hearing aids and making sure they are working) -ensure proper sleep patterns.
While delirium is potentially preventable, it is not well recognized and cases are often missed. Diagnosis of delirium can be difficult when symptoms fluctuate throughout the day. Changes in alertness come and go, and people tend to be more alert in the morning and less alert at night. In some people it can result in hyperactivity (hallucinations, delusions, or uncooperative behavior), and in other people, hypoactivity (decreased arousal that can be mistaken for fatigue or depression), or a combination of both.
Therefore, identification and management of delirium risk is imperative for safe, quality care for both patients and their families.