Delirium is defined as an acute change in consciousness accompanied by inattention and the inability to receive, process, recall, or store information.1 There are 3 forms of delirium, and patients may exhibit any combination of the forms. The hyperactive subtype of delirium may be recognized by older names (eg, intensive care unit [ICU] psychosis, ICU syndrome, and delirium). Patients with this form of delirium exhibit behaviors such as agitation, restlessness, emotional lability, hallucinations, and/or pulling at invasive catheters or tubing. These patients are thought of as at risk for self-harm or extubation, so are closely monitored and given medication to decrease their symptoms. Patients with hypoactive delirium can demonstrate flat affect, withdrawal, apathy, inattention, lethargy, and/or decreased responsiveness. These symptoms may not trigger cause for concern as patients are assumed to be thinking clearly. This failure to recognize delirium may lead to a lack of monitoring or treatment despite...
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Spring 2017
Pediatric Perspectives|
March 15 2017
Delirium Assessment in Critically Ill Children
Lori Williams, RN, DNP, RNC-NIC, CCRN, NNP-BC
Lori Williams, RN, DNP, RNC-NIC, CCRN, NNP-BC
Department Editor
Lori Williams is Clinical Nurse Specialist, Universal Care Unit, American Family Children’s Hospital, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics, Mail Code C850, 1675 Highland Avenue, Room 8317, Madison, WI 53792 ([email protected]).
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AACN Adv Crit Care (2017) 28 (1): 23–26.
Citation
Lori Williams; Delirium Assessment in Critically Ill Children. AACN Adv Crit Care 15 March 2017; 28 (1): 23–26. doi: https://doi.org/10.4037/aacnacc2017473
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