This is the most critical starting point. Clinicians look for a sudden change in mental status from the patient's baseline or evidence that their mental state has fluctuated (e.g., coming and going) over the past 24 hours.
oth Spontaneous Awakening (SAT) and Breathing (SBT) Trials.
arly Mobility and Exercise (getting the patient moving as soon as possible). icudelirium
If the patient is arousable but shows signs of muddled logic, this feature is marked. It is tested through simple "Yes/No" questions (e.g., "Will a stone float on water?") or simple commands (e.g., "Hold up this many fingers"). How a Diagnosis is Made
hoice of analgesia and sedation (avoiding benzodiazepines). D elirium: Assess, Prevent, and Manage. This is the most critical starting point
This refers to any state other than "alert and calm." It is measured using scales like the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) . A patient is positive for this feature if their RASS score is anything other than zero.
This is the hallmark feature of delirium. It is often tested by asking a patient to squeeze the clinician's hand every time they hear a specific letter (usually "A") in a read-out string of letters like "SAVEAHAART". arly Mobility and Exercise (getting the patient moving
amily Engagement and Empowerment (having loved ones present to reorient the patient).