RT Book, Section
A1 Nye, Heather E.
A2 Cohn, Steven L.
SR Print(0)
ID 1179531948
T1 Delirium
T2 Decision Making in Perioperative Medicine: Clinical Pearls
YR 2021
FD 2021
PB McGraw Hill
PP New York, NY
SN 9781260468106
LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=1179531948
RD 2024/04/19
AB Postoperative  delirium  is  defined  as  a  fluctuating  state  of  confusion  marked  by  impaired  cognition,  attention,  and/or  awareness.  It  occurs  with  acute  onset  typically  in  the  first  1–2  days  following  surgery  and  is  most  commonly  encountered  in  older  adults.  Incidence  ranges  from  5%  to  50%,  with  the  highest  percentages  observed  following  cardiothoracic,  major  vascular,  and  emergent  orthopedic  surgeries.1,2  Postoperative  outcomes  are  dramatically  altered  once  a  patient  has  delirium,  rendering  them  higher  risk  for  prolonged  hospitalization,  increased  mortality,  cognitive  and  functional  decline,  and  increased  rates  of  institutionalization.  To  minimize  adverse  outcomes,  a  three-pronged  approach  is  recommended:  1)  early  delirium  risk  assessment,  2)  aggressive  preventative  measures,  and  3)  prompt  diagnosis  and  treatment  (See  Figure  41-1).2,3