Behaviors and outcomes of acute confusion in hospitalized patients.

The purpose of this study was to describe behaviors associated with acute confusion (AC) in hospitalized patients and to determine whether acutely confused patients experience more adverse outcomes compared with their nonconfused counterparts. Using a prospective design, 117 subjects were followed throughout hospital stay. Subjects who developed AC were more likely to fall, be incontinent, have a urinary catheter, and experience functional decline. Mortality was higher in subjects with AC. Contrary to popular belief, acutely confused patients exhibited decreased psychomotor activity. Nurses can be trained to recognize AC using a standardized protocol to improve outcomes for this vulnerable population.