Patient with abnormal behaviour or language

End

Assessment using ABCDE method
Key observations (Table 1.1)
Stabilize airway, breathing and circulation
Correct hypoglycaemia

Focused assessment (see text)
Consider differential diagnosis (Table 4.1)
Urgent investigation (Table 4.4)

Pursue other diagnosis

Diagnosis and treatment of underlying disorder(s) (App. 4.1 and Table 4.2)
Exclude/treat sepsis (Chapter 35)
Stop medication likely to be causing or contributing to delirium
Supportive care (Table 4.5)

Suspected delirium?

Acute change in mental state
Disorientation in time
Impaired short-term memory and attention
Acute illness, intoxication or potentially causative medication

Yes

No