delirium
Delirium is a medical emergency: an acute state of confusion that commonly affects older people, especially those admitted to hospital. It is hugely distressing for patients, families and carers and increases the risk of mortality. Other potentially serious consequences include longer hospital stays, falls, loss of independence and cognitive decline.
This collection of articles aims to help nurses and care staff to prevent delirium. If prevention is not possible, however, staff should be able to recognise delirium and assess and manage patients in a timely manner.
Please contact Lisa Berry, editor of Nursing Older People, at lisa.berry@rcni.com with your comments, suggestions or feedback and help raise awareness of our content by sharing this resource on social media using the weblink rcni.com/delirium
How nurses can use assessment tools to detect delirium in older people – and manage it
The condition is a medical emergency – but various approaches can guide its nursing care
Delirium superimposed on dementia: mental health nurses’ experiences of providing care
Knowing patients cannot be reduced to a numerical tool and an integrated approach is needed
Nurses’ experiences of identifying delirium superimposed on dementia
How aesthetic ways of knowing people can enhance patient assessment
Managing common neurological complications following cardiac surgery
Risk factors, assessment and treatment of delirium and post-operative cognitive decline
What is the difference between delirium and dementia?
A collateral history is crucial in distinguishing between the conditions
Delirium: when to be worried about confusion, and what to do next
Updated guidance to help you assess patients and prevent or reduce distress
Practical advice and guidance on antipsychotic medication in dementia
New toolkit aids decision-making when managing distress in people with dementia
Identifying the relationship between delirium and falls
The main types of delirium and associated validated screening tools
How can you identify and manage people presenting with delirium in the ED?
The condition can develop quickly and result in increased risk of dementia and mortality
How do I use the 4AT tool for delirium?
Delirium is time-critical, but can be identified with a simple bedside test
Diagnosing, managing and preventing UTIs in older people with dementia in hospital
Urinary tract infections are common in older people but frequently complicated to diagnose
Delirium types, causes and signs – and how to manage the risk
Tips on recognising this common medical emergency and reducing post-operative risk