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Module 2: Direct Comprehensive Primary Care in the LTC Setting (52/93) -- Nurse Practitioners Delivering Primary C...

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Module 2: Direct Comprehensive Primary Care in the LTC Setting

Module 2: Direct Comprehensive Primary Care in the LTC Setting 34 2.4.2 Delirium Delirium: An acute state of confusion marked by changes in a person’s ability to focus, remember, remain alert & oriented and think clearly. Delirium is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY - Seniors are 4X more likely to experience delirium due to co-morbid conditions that put them at higher risk - Delirium may be reversed if treated quickly but if it persists, it can result in permanent disability or even death - Signs of delirium may persist for 12 months or longer - Mortality rates among hospitalized patients with delirium range from 22-76% - Delirium is associated with a one-year mortality rate of 35-40% In patients with dementia, delirium leads to poor health outcomes: - Prolonged hospital stay - Hospital readmission within 30-days - Cognitive and physical decline - Placement in LTC homes - Death etc.[1][2][3][4][5] Diagnosing Delirium: - A crucial element for diagnosis is “knowing the person” - Medical History: What has changed? - Screening: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) - Acute changes in mental status AND fluctuating course - Inattention - Disorganized thinking - Altered level of consciousness[6] Recommended Reading
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