Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026
Assessment of Dependence in Activities of Daily Living Among Older Patients in an Acute Care Unit
Published on: September 30, 2020
The Relationship Between Thirst and the Incidence of Delirium in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Cross
Nasibeh Barani1, Alun C Jackson2, Farshad Sharifi3
1Department of Critical Care Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery Tehran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran.
Background And Aims:
Delirium is an acute cognitive fluctuation commonly observed in intensive care units (ICUs) and influenced by multiple factors. Identifying these factors is crucial for effective prevention and management. This study aimed to examine the relationship between thirst and the incidence of delirium in adult ICU patients.
Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2022 on adult patients admitted to ICUs of hospitals affiliated with Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Thirst intensity was assessed using the validated Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), sedation/agitation by Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), and delirium incidence was measured by the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM-ICU).
Results:
A total of 118 patients participated (59% male; mean age 46 years). Delirium was observed in 22.43% of patients. Thirst intensity was reported as mild by 51.69%, moderate by 29.66%, and severe by 18.64%. Delirium was significantly associated with increased thirst intensity, with moderate and severe thirst increasing the risk of delirium by approximately 4 and 14 times, respectively. Additionally, dehydration Statistical significant increased delirium risk by more than 10 times. Statistical significant associations were also found between delirium and biochemical markers such as blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), sodium, and plasma osmolality.
Conclusion:
ICU nurses should systematically assess and document key delirium risk factors, especially thirst, using validated tools such as VAS. Evidence-based nonpharmacological strategies should be implemented for delirium prevention and management. Nurses must closely monitor laboratory parameters including BUN/Cr ratio, serum sodium, and plasma osmolarity, and promptly report abnormalities to physicians. Correction of hypernatremia or hyperosmolarity should be done under physician supervision; nurses facilitate early recognition and medical intervention but do not independently administer electrolyte-correcting treatments.
More Related Videos
10:38Observational Study Protocol for Repeated Clinical Examination and Critical Care Ultrasonography Within the Simple Intensive Care Studies
Published on: January 16, 2019
04:33Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression
Published on: April 26, 2024
Related Concept Videos
01:25Regulation of Water Intake
01:25Primary Motives: Hunger and Thirst
Hunger arises when the brain detects changes in the body's nutrient levels, including glucose, lipids, amino acids, and hormones such as ghrelin and leptin. The hypothalamus plays a central role in hunger regulation. The lateral hypothalamus...
01:29Disorder of Water Balance
Dehydration
Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids (particularly water).
Causes:
The major causes of dehydration include excessive sweating, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and diuresis.
Signs and Symptoms:
Symptoms primarily include intense...
01:30Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
01:29Acute Kidney Injury III: Clinical Manifestations
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies