Table Eight
Precipitating Factors for Delirium
Common Causes of Delirium |
|
| Infection | urine, lungs, skin, blood |
| Fluid disturbance | dehydration, hypovolemia |
| Electrolyte disturbance | sodium, potassium, magnesium |
| Nutrition | malnutrition, thiamine deficiency, anemia |
| Cardiovascular | angina, infarction, congestive heart failure |
| Central Nervous System | stroke or ischemia, concussion |
| Elimination Problems | urinary retention, constipation |
| Pulmonary | hypoxia (eg: COPD exacerbation) |
| Gastrointestinal | bleeding with anemia, C. difficile colitis |
| Medications | narcotics, steroids, anticholinergic, NSAID |
| Over-the-counter medicines | Gravol, Benadryl |
| Substance intoxication or withdrawal | alcohol, sedative-hypnotics, narcotics |