Nonpharmacological treatment of delirium (requires an interdisciplinary approach)

To view the next step in treatment, click each clinical finding for this patient.

Agitation
Reduce stress to the patient by providing a safe and quiet environment
Disorientation
Provide orientating stimuli (eg, clocks, calendars) that can be seen by the patient. Involve proxies (family, caregivers) and provide information about delirium.
Dehydration
Ensure adequate hydration
Immobilization
Mobilize as soon as possible
Pain
Regularly evaluate and treat pain
Visual and hearing impairment
Make sure the patient has his/her hearing aid and eye glasses.
Sleep deprivation
Ensure the patient has uninterrupted sleep
Psychoactive medications
Avoid prescribing psychoactive medications
Tethers
Avoid use of bladder catheters, IV tubes, etc
Hallucinations
Make sure the patient has his/her hearing aids and glasses. Avoid excessive noise and alarms.
Constipation
Review the patient's chart. Examine the bowel and give a laxative if required.