Determination of delirium risk and development status of older adults admitted in adult intensive care units

This descriptive study was carried out to determine the delirium risks and delirium development among older adults admitted in adult intensive care units. The sample of the study consisted of 150 patients aged 65 and over, admitted to the second level intensive care unit between November 2020 and February 2021, who did not have delirium at admission, and whose Richmond Sedation and Agitation Scale score was -3 and above. Data were collected with the "Descriptive Information Form", "Richmond Agitation and Sedation Scale", "Delirium Prediction Model (DEMO)" and "Confusion Assessment Method for Intensive Care Unit (CAM-ICU)". The risk of delirium was determined with DEMO on the first day of admission, and the development of delirium was determined with CAM-ICU on the 24th hour, 3rd day and 5th day. Mean, standard deviation, percentage, frequency, regression was used in data analysis. The risk of delirium was detected on the admission in 42% of the patients, and delirium was observed in 34.7% in the follow-up, first 5 days of hospitalization. Delirium developed within the first 24 hours in 28.7% of the patients, on the 3rd day in 32%, and on the 5th day in 34.7% of the patients. Delirium developed in patients with the predisposing factors advanced age and sensory impairment; the precipitating factors hypotension, sleep deprivation, and polypharmacy (more than 5 drugs) and DEMO risk factors receiving psychoactive treatment (p<0.05). Determination of delirium risks of older adults within the first 24 hours of hospitalization, close monitor of the patients with advanced age (75 and over), neurological, cognitive and psychological problems, using 5 and more drugs, and hypotension history for the development of delirium is recommended.