Delirium; a source of confusion in the ED

Which of the following is NOT considered a risk factor for the development of delirium?

Which assessment tool can be used to confirm a diagnosis of Delirium in the ED?

You review Mrs Jones and begin by looking at her observations chart:

• Blood pressure: 98/60
• Pulse 120
• Respiratory rate 22
• Oxygen saturations (on room air) 96%
• Temperature 38.8

She isn’t able to give you any sensible answers to any questions that you ask whilst taking a history.

She appears to be working quite hard to breathe. Percussion over the left lower lung is dull and there are bronchial breath sounds over this area.

Whilst examining her, she repeatedly forgets who you are and where she is. You use the CAM assessment tool and confirm that she is suffering from Delirium.

Which is the most appropriate initial investigation to order?

A diagnosis of community acquired pneumonia is suspected. Mrs Jones is admitted to hospital and commenced on intravenous antibiotics. A urinary catheter is inserted to monitor her urine output

However, Mrs Jones begins to resist treatment. She pulls out her cannula and tries to remove her catheter. She shouts angrily at the nurses when they try to stop her from wandering around the department, and pulls down one of the curtains surrounding her bed.