O'Brien M E
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Medicine.
Postgrad Med. 1992 Mar;91(4):463-70. doi: 10.1080/00325481.1992.11701271.
Delirium is a common problem, particularly in hospitalized elderly patients. It may be the first indication of serious illness, such as infection, cardiopulmonary disease, or a metabolic disturbance. The condition is precipitated by medications, toxins, and abrupt changes in environment. Delirium is often a frightening experience for patients and families and a challenge to treat. As the elderly population increases, physicians may expect to encounter this condition more often. Maintaining a high index of suspicion may prevent many cases and arrest others at onset. Proper management includes prompt diagnosis and treatment of the underlying illness, as well as use of commonsense measures to calm and reassure the patient.
谵妄是一个常见问题，尤其在住院老年患者中。它可能是严重疾病的首个迹象，如感染、心肺疾病或代谢紊乱。药物、毒素及环境的突然变化会引发这种情况。谵妄对患者及其家人来说通常是一段可怕的经历，治疗也颇具挑战。随着老年人口增加，医生可能会更频繁地遇到这种情况。保持高度的怀疑意识可预防许多病例，并在发病初期控制其他病例。恰当的处理包括及时诊断和治疗潜在疾病，以及采取常识性措施来安抚患者并使其安心。
