Delirium is a serious medical condition which occurs in the presence of acute illness or a physical disorder and is more common in older people and people living with dementia. It is also common in intensive care settings and in people infected with COVID-19.

 

It causes changes in behaviour, thinking, perception, function and arousal (awakeness). Failure to recognise it and treat the underlying cause can result in serious consequences for the person including falls, hospital admissions and increased mortality.
 
Each person will experience delirium differently, but for many being delirious is a terrifying experience. It can be accompanied by hallucinations and paranoid delusions which leave the person literally believing that they are fighting for their life. In this terrible, confusing world, nurses can be an anchor, a calm, reassuring voice giving a very clear and simple message: 
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I’m your nurse, you are safe with me

 

If the underlying cause is identified and treated, the delirium is likely to resolve as well.  If you suspect delirium in one of your clients – ensure that you escalate it and ask the clinician to consider delirium, or screen for delirium yourself.