Cat365 570 Posts Oct 14, 2016 As I understand it delirium is by definition acute and caused by an underlying disease process. Once that cause is addressed delirium should resolve. If it doesn't resolve then it wasn't delirium. Unless the patient dies of course. 0 Likes
CrunchRN, ADN, RN Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health. Has 25 years experience. 4,407 Posts Oct 14, 2016 Delirium is dementia is not. 0 Likes
Whispera, MSN, RN Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education. 3,458 Posts Oct 14, 2016 Delirium is reversible, provided the eight thing is done to reverse it. Why do you ask? 0 Likes
3rdshift098 6 Posts Oct 15, 2016 One of my professors asked me if it was always reversible and I always thought it was. She told me to look it up. From what I have found in most cases it is reversible but National Institutes of Health states, delirium is not always reversible and can result in long-term cognitive impairment. I was just curious as to how it is not reversible. A lot of articles and journals say that delirium is reversible most of the time but do not state when it does not become reversible. I am just curious if anybody else had knowledge of delirium not being reversible. 0 Likes
Whispera, MSN, RN Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education. 3,458 Posts Oct 15, 2016 my response should say RIGHT thing, not eightSometimes the cause isn't determined or proper treatment isn't determined or completed. Then the delirium goes on. Time frame is kinda flexible. I imagine the healthcare provider would keep trying to fix it.Is hypertension always reversible? If not, when and how is it not reversible? It's a similar thing... Edited Oct 15, 2016 by Whispera 0 Likes
NurseGirl525, ASN, RN Specializes in ICU. 3,663 Posts Oct 15, 2016 Delirium is reversible, dementia is not. 0 Likes
Whispera, MSN, RN Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education. 3,458 Posts Oct 15, 2016 Does anyone know what delirium that isn't reversed is called? I haven't been able to find the word. Dementia doesn't quite fit all the time... 0 Likes
loriangel14, RN Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative. 6,923 Posts Oct 15, 2016 I quite often take care of post op seniors with delirium. You don't really have to do anything. Most just clear on their own. 0 Likes