When you toss a coin, there is an equal chance of obtaining a head or a tail. When you throw a die, the probability of getting a 6 is 1/6.
Prevention. The best way to treat delirium is first to prevent it. Research has shown that paying attention to six particular factors is most helpful in preventing delirium: Help orient cognitively impaired patients in time and place (using clocks, calendars, windows, blackboards with doctorâs and nurseâs names). 1  Get patients up and about as soon as possible.
It's the most common complication of hospitalization among people ages 65 and over: 20% of those admitted to hospitals, up to 60% of those who have certain surgeries, and almost 80% of those treated in ICUs develop delirium. When delirium isn't recognized, it can hinder recovery. Prolonged delirium is associated with poor long-term outcomes (mental and physical) and a higher mortality rate. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid delirium or minimize its impact.