delirium Flashcards
what is delirium
acute and fluctuating disturbance in level of consciouness
what age groups does it most commonly occur in ?
elderly and very young
symptoms?
Disorientation (time/place/person); Inattention; Illusions/hallucinations; Altered personality; Mood disorders;
what are the symptoms like over the day and when are they worst?
fluctuate over the day and worst at night
how do you differentiate delirium and dementia
delirium is sudden onset and fluctuating course over days-weeks
dementia has a gradual onset over months-years
what is attention like in dementia and delirium?
preserved in dementia, gone in delirium
level of consciousness in delirium and dementia?
variation in level of consciousness in delirium, unimpaired in dementia
what test would show deficits in attention ?
MMSE
the confusion assessment method states that the following features are diagnostic?
Acute change in cognition which fluctuates during the day;
Inattention;
Disturbance of consciousness;
Disorganised thinking
what is the treatment of delirium?
treat the underlying cause or remove aggrevating drugs
Environmental management: nurse patients in a quiet and well-lit room
Minimise sensory deficits (check hearing aids/glasses etc.)
what can agitation be managed with?
haloperidol or lorazepam
why should bentos be avoided?
they may worsen or prolong delirium
