DIAGNOSTIC DIFFICULTY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONALS AHEAD OF DELIRIUM: A LITERATURE REVIEW

• Main Authors: Carla Luiza da Silva, Janduila da Silva Firmino, Karla Cristina Roznowski
• Format: Article
• Language: Portuguese
• Published: Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia 2012-08-01
• Series: Revista Saúde.com
• Subjects: Delirium; Early diagnosis; Delivery of Health Care; nursing
• Online Access: http://www.uesb.br/revista/rsc/ojs/index.php/rsc/article/view/205/240

Delirium is a neurological disorder manifested by patients who are hospitalized. It is a syndrome characterized as acute disorder of attention and cognitive function. This study aimed to identify the difficulties in the literature in the early diagnosis of the patient with delirium, and what are the behaviors performed by health professionals when the diagnosis is made. For data collection, used the literature review, by reviewing the database of the Virtual Health Library during the first half of 2010, using descriptors standards. The results denote that sometimes this disorder is not recognized properly and timely treatment. Another relevant factor is found the prevalence of several risk in hospitalized elderly. We believe that patients in delirium should be constantly evaluated, even if not to make complaints, as this disorder is swinging and can not be diagnosed in the first sessions. We consider it important to continue the training of interdisciplinary team to complete the diagnosis.