components of delirium

 Q: What are the five components to define delirium?

Answer: Over the last two decades delirium has been identified as one of the most influential factors in short and long-term outcomes of hospitalized patients. By definition it should have five components:

• acute
• potentially reversible 
• impairment of consciousness 
• impairment of cognitive function 
• fluctuates in severity

It is of vital importance to understand the statement that "Delirium is an organic mental syndrome." It is defined as: "an acute and potentially reversible impairment of consciousness and cognitive function that fluctuates in severity."

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Reference:

Hansen-Flaschen J. Improving patient tolerance of mechanical ventilation. Challenges ahead. Crit Care Clin 1994; 10:659.