Preventing delirium in the intensive care unit

Crit Care Clin. 2013 Jan;29(1):51-65. doi: 10.1016/j.ccc.2012.10.007.

Abstract

Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is exceedingly common, and risk factors for delirium among the critically ill are nearly ubiquitous. Addressing modifiable risk factors including sedation management, deliriogenic medications, immobility, and sleep disruption can help to prevent and reduce the duration of this deadly syndrome. The ABCDE approach to critical care is a bundled approach that clinicians can implement for many patients treated in their ICUs to prevent the adverse outcomes associated with delirium and critical illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Analgesics, Opioid / administration & dosage
  • Analgesics, Opioid / adverse effects
  • Analgesics, Opioid / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Chemoprevention / methods
  • Comorbidity
  • Critical Illness*
  • Delirium / etiology
  • Delirium / prevention & control*
  • Delirium / therapy
  • Health Facility Environment
  • Humans
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / adverse effects*
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives / therapeutic use
  • Immobilization / adverse effects
  • Intensive Care Units / standards
  • Length of Stay
  • Pain / complications
  • Pain Management*
  • Patient Isolation
  • Respiration, Artificial / adverse effects
  • Risk Factors
  • Sleep Deprivation / complications*

Substances

  • Analgesics, Opioid
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Hypnotics and Sedatives