• Delirium
    Link:www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg103/resources/guidance-delirium-pdf
    • Acute disturbance in cognitive function
      • Can be hyperactive, hypoactive or a mixture
      • Differentials include psychiatric disorders, dementia, depression.
    • Common, occurs in 60-80% of ITU patients
    • Screening
      • CAM-ICU
        • Acute onset or fluctuating course
        • Inattention
        • Altered level of consciousness
        • Disorganised thinking
        • 1 and 2 AND 3 or 4 = CAM +ve
      • iCDSC
    • Risk factors
      • Age
      • Alcoholism
      • Pre-existing cognitive impairment
      • Depression
      • Hypertension
      • Smoking
      • Medication
      • Sleep deprivation
      • Immobilisation
      • Hip fracture
    • Treatment
      • Haloperidol 2.5mg IV doubled every 30 mins until settled and prescribed regularly every 4-6 hrs and tapered off over a few days
      • Olanzepine 5mg po can be used.
      • MDT approach
        • Involve family
        • Modify environment
          • Appropriate lighting
          • Re-orientate patient
          • Introduce cognitively stimulating activities
          • Clock for wake/sleep cycle
        • Encourage to drink/rehydrate
        • Treat any hypoxia/infection
        • Encourage mobilisation if able
        • Review medications
        • Resolve any cause of impairment (eg ear wax), ensure hearing aid/visual aids working
        • Reduce noise to minimum
        • Avoid procedures during the night
        • Avoid restraint if possible
        • Bedside sitter
    • Diagnosis
      • Cognitive function
        • Slow responses, confusion
      • Perception
        • Auditory or visual hallucinations
      • Physical function
        • Reduced mobility, movement, restlessness, aggitation, sleep disturbances
      • Social behaviour
        • Lack of co-operation, withdrawal, alteration in attitude
      • Use CAM-ICU
    • CEACCP
      Link:ceaccp.oxfordjournals.org/content/9/5/144.full.pdf