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Table 4.5

Supportive Care of the Patient with Delirium

Exclude/treat sepsis
  • Stop medications likely to be causing or contributing to delirium
  • Prevent dehydration: ensure adequate fluid intake
  • Exclude/relieve urinary retention
  • Exclude/prevent constipation
  • Exclude/prevent pressure ulceration
  • Assess for/relieve pain
  • Prevent DVT: give thromboprophylaxis if indicated
  • Prevent sleep disturbance
  • Ensure spectacles and hearing aid are worn if needed
  • Reality orientation: give the patient information about time, place and person, repeated at regular intervals