Delirum

Question 1

What is delirum?

Answer 1

Cognitive disorder “characterized by inattention, disordered thinking, and a fluctuating mental status.”

Question 2

Delirium risk factors

Answer 2

• existing cognitive impairment
• low functional autonomy
• benzodiazepines, narcotic anageics, and anticholinergics

Question 3

Causes of Delirium

I WATCH DEATH

Answer 3

**Infections: **UTI, pneumonia would be the most common

**Withdrawal: **from ETOH, benzodiazepines, sedatives

Acute: electrolytes Na, Ca, K

Metabolic: dehydration, hepatic/renal failure

Toxins/Drugs: anticholinergics, stimulants, salicylates, opiates ,Tagamet, steroids, dilantin

CNS: strokes, TIA, tumors, seizures, pathology haemmorhage, infections

Hypoxia: anaemia, respiratory and heart failure, Arrythmias, hypotension

Deficiencies:thiamine (ETOH abuse), B12, Malnutrition

Endocrine: thyroid, parathyroid, adrenal dysfunction, hyper/hypoglycemia

**Acute Vascular: **hypertensive crisis, shock

Trauma: head injury from falls, p-op, hypo/hyperthermia, B.T

Heavy Metals: lead, mercury, manganese

Question 4

Symptoms

Answer 4

1. wanders, unsteady gail, acts out fear from halluciantions or illusions
2. forgets things
3. awake disoriented during the night (sundowning), fightened atnight
4. unable to take care of basic needs
5. ses frightening things that are not there, illusions, delusions
6. does not recognize famililar people or places, has difficulty wit short or long term memory
7. has difficulty with communication, cannot find words
8. devasted over losing place in life
9. family over burneded and overwhemed