Management of the agitated patient
Kunkel, E.J.; Aliu, O.
Delaware Medical Journal 72(11): 473-478
2000
ISSN/ISBN: 0011-7781 PMID: 11125663 Document Number: 517048
Unfortunately, although delirium is common in the general hospital, the diagnosis is frequently missed. As delirium often indicates a serious, sometimes life-threatening, medical or surgical condition, successful management and subsequent prevention of morbidity and mortality require prompt recognition and early intervention. Failure to recognize, diagnose, and treat delirium and the underlying pathology can result in death. This article presents current thinking on the management of delirium and related agitation in the general medical hospital.