Delirium has been shown to be an independent predictor of mortality and can occur in up to 75% of critically ill patients.
Whether preventing or treating delirium in the critically ill patient, consider the following:
Minimize the use of anticholinergic medications (i.e. diphenhydramine, chlorpromazine)
Ensure pain is adequately controlled (avoid meperidine and tramadol)
Be careful with sedative medications; consider bolus dosing and daily interruption of continuous infusions
Additional measures to treat delirious patients include reducing sensory deprivation, promoting normal sleep-wake cycles, early physical rehabilitation, and treating psychosis.
References
Bienvenu OJ, Neufeld KJ, Needham DM. Treatment of four psychiatric emergencies in the intensive care unit. Crit Care Med 2012; 40:2662-2670.
