Factors Affecting Delirium in ICU Patients

Area of Science:

• Critical Care Medicine
• Nursing Research
• Gerontology

Background:

• Delirium is a common and serious complication in intensive care units (ICUs).
• Early identification and understanding of delirium predictors are crucial for effective nursing interventions.
• Existing data on delirium severity and its influencing factors in diverse ICU populations require further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine delirium severity using a validated screening tool.
• To identify and analyze predictors of delirium, including pain, acuity, consciousness, and fall risk.
• To provide foundational data for developing nursing-led delirium prevention strategies.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective study involving 165 patients across three ICUs.
• Utilized the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) for delirium screening and severity assessment.
• Analyzed correlations between Nu-DESC scores and various clinical variables, including demographic, physiological, and intervention-related factors.

Main Results:

• The incidence of delirium was 53.3% among the study population.
• Nu-DESC scores significantly correlated with ICU days, ventilator days, restraint use, catheter insertions, sedative use, SAPS III, MFS, GCS, pain scores, and BUN.
• Stepwise regression identified restraint applications, GCS score, ICU days, and BUN as significant independent predictors of delirium.

Conclusions:

• Delirium is highly prevalent in ICUs, with significant influencing factors identified.
• Accurate delirium screening using tools like Nu-DESC is essential for ICU nurses.
• Targeting identified predictors, such as reducing restraints and monitoring GCS and BUN, can aid in delirium prevention and management.