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Considering Causes for Hypoactive Delirium Cover

Figures & Tables

Table 1.

Delirium Subtypes

Delirium SubtypeDefinition /Defining Characteristics
DeliriumAn acute fluctuating disturbance in attention, cognition, and level of consciousness
HyperactiveAgitation
Aggressiveness.
Fidgety or restless
Speaks quickly and loudly
Vigilant
Readily distracted
Verbal and physical agitation
Effective communication is difficult
Hallucinations and delusions
HypoactiveMotor retardation,
Apathy Slowing of speech,
Appears to be sedated
Lethargic and quiet.
Unusually listless
Appears depressed
Lack of motivation
Withdrawn
Almost mute
Extreme stupor
MixedCombination of hyperactive and hypoactive delirium
Table 2.

Implications for Practice

  • Hypoactive delirium is difficult to detect

  • Understanding clinical features and risk factors is critical for detection

  • Standardized assessment tools appropriate for the population should be used

  • Frequent assessments are needed because delirium fluctuates

  • Prevention and intervention strategies should be implemented early

  • Regularly assess medication for delirium risk and response

  • Strongly consider continuation of home medications,

  • Promote adequate pain management and reduction of sedation to the minimum dose required

  • Early mobility, limiting restraint, adequate hydration and nutrition are key to prevention and treatment

  • Timing of care should promote periods of uninterrupted rest and sleep (i.e. giving up middle of the night bathing, timing of medication administration and routine lab/x-rays)

  • Establishing day and night routines will reduce risk and help resolve delirium

Table 3.

Nursing Delirium Prevention Strategies

  • Q- Quick and Accurate Assessment with a validated tool

  • U- Understand Risk Factor

  • I- Initiate Discussion of Home Medications, Adequate Pain Control and Minimizing Sedation

  • E- Encourage Early Mobility, Nutrition, Hydration, and Restraint Release

  • T- Timing of Care to Promote Sleep

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21307/ajon-2017-015 | Journal eISSN: 2208-6781 | Journal ISSN: 1032-335X
Language: English
Page range: 9 - 16
Published on: Mar 18, 2019
Published by: Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2019 Malissa A Mulkey, Sonya R Hardin, DaiWai M Olson, Cindy L Munro, Erik Everhart, published by Australasian Neuroscience Nurses Association
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 License.