Abstract
Delirium is an impairment of cognitive function manifesting a lack of concentration, disturbance of consciousness, and alteration of sleep wake cycle, which occurs an abrupt onset and develops within a relatively brief duration. This report describes the patient's perception about experience of delirium in the ICU. A patient in the early sixty underwent a surgery for left side atrioventricular valve replacement and maze procedure. On postoperative day 2, he exhibited pessimistic attitude, resistance and refusal to medical treatment, and disorientation of day and time. Only his family visitation was able to let him recognize real world and feel secure. After recovering from delirium, on postoperative day 8, he said “I am so sorry that I was disgraceful shape when I stayed in the ICU” with tears running. This case illustrates that the experience of delirium seriously distress the patients. It is recommended that nursing staff caring for patients with delirium need to understand such patient suffering.
