An Analysis of the Risk Factors in the Development of Delirium among Elderly Patients in an Acute Medical Setting

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to identify the risk factors that contribute to the development of delirium among elderly patients in an acute medical setting. Elderly patients in an acute setting have difficulty with environment adaptation. The conceptual framework for this study was based on Roy's Adaptation Model. The subjects were 44 patients with various medical diagnosis admitted to an acute medical unit. Delirium occurred in 8 of the 44 patients (18%) within three days of hospitalization. The process of the development of delirium was classified into three patterns. Also the process of recovery from delirium was classified into three patterns. The risk factors which were significant (p <.05) were : bed rest, number of tubes, hemoglobin value, pulse rate, dry tongue, activities of daily living score, level of anxiety, stubborn or passionate patient personality. This study suggests the importance of nursing assessment of the risk factors for delirium. This assessment will enable nurses to identify patients may have a maladaptive response to acute care hospitalization.