Prevention, recognition, and management of delirium in the intensive care unit.

T inten sive care unit (ICU) can be a stressful and intimidating environment for critically ill patients. Behavioral disturbances in critically ill patients may be detrimental to the safety of patients and the nurses caring for these patients. These disturbances may manifest as ICU delirium. The development of ICU delirium can lead to dire consequences, such as an increased risk of 6-month mortality, extended ICU and hospital lengths of stay, and long-term cognitive impairment.1–4 Critical care nurses caring for delirious patients are often the first to notice any changes in mental status or behavior; therefore, it is important for critical care nurses to have an understanding of ICU delirium. This review focuses on the prevention and recognition of delirium and provides an overview of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological methods of managing ICU delirium.