Assessment and management of older patients with delirium in acute settings

This article aims to assist nurses and nursing students to consider the presentation of delirium in older patients and the resulting assessment and nursing interventions required. It considers the three types of delirium: hyperactive, hypoactive and mixed. It also discusses potential causes of delirium. Older patients are at increased risk of delirium due to factors such as cognitive impairment, co-morbidities and acute illness. Nurses should be confident in the use of the 4AT score to assess patients with delirium. Use of the mnemonic PINCH ME is suggested to guide management of delirious patients in acute settings. Families of patients with delirium have emotional and other care needs and there are several ways in which nurses can meet them.