Date of Graduation

5-2016

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science in Nursing

Degree Level

Undergraduate

Department

Nursing

Advisor/Mentor

Sisson, Wendy

Committee Member/Reader

Smith-Blair, Nancy J.

Committee Member/Second Reader

McNeill, Charleen

Abstract

Delirium occurs in patients of all ages, especially in the older adult population. Symptoms vary from patient to patient, and delirium is often misdiagnosed. Patients with delirium have a higher cost of care and a longer length of stay in the hospital. Delirium is a stressful event for both the nurse and the patient, resulting in poor patient outcomes. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) tool is used to diagnose delirium in confused patients; a positive CAM score indicates delirium. Nursing interventions are used to treat delirium. Interventions used range from non-pharmacologic measures to use of pharmacological measures and restraints. This project will be a quality improvement project for patients with positive CAM scores. The most common nursing interventions used will be identified for possible bundling purposes.

Keywords

Delirium; Confusion Assessment Method

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