RESEARCH CONSIDERATIONS: Delirium in Hospitalized Elders

Abstract

1. If a nurse does not detect delirium in a hospitalized patient, the results can be catastrophic. 2. Nurses need more education regarding the assessment and recognition of the symptoms of delirium. 3. The assessment of delirium should include more than simply questions about orientation, and should include the aspects of sleep-wake disturbances, perceptual and psychomotor manifestations.