Which statement best describes delirium in ICU patients as screened by CAM-ICU?

Which statement best describes delirium in ICU patients as screened by CAM-ICU?

• A. Acute change in attention and cognition
• B. Chronic cognitive impairment
• C. Mood disturbance without cognitive change
• D. Sleep deprivation only

Answer: (A)

Delirium in the ICU is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance of mental status that prominently affects attention and cognition. CAM-ICU detects delirium by looking for an acute change or fluctuating course in mental status, inattention, and then either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness. Because delirium centers on a sudden onset with attention impaired, the description of an acute change in attention and cognition best fits what CAM-ICU screens for. The other options describe chronic cognitive issues, mood changes without cognitive disruption, or sleep issues alone, none of which define delirium.

Delirium in the ICU is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance of mental status that prominently affects attention and cognition. CAM-ICU detects delirium by looking for an acute change or fluctuating course in mental status, inattention, and then either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness. Because delirium centers on a sudden onset with attention impaired, the description of an acute change in attention and cognition best fits what CAM-ICU screens for. The other options describe chronic cognitive issues, mood changes without cognitive disruption, or sleep issues alone, none of which define delirium.