The Relationship Between Thirst and the Incidence of Delirium in Patients Admitted to Intensive Care Units: A Cross Sectional Study

ICU nurses should systematically assess and document key delirium risk factors, especially thirst, using validated tools such as VAS. Evidence-based nonpharmacological strategies should be implemented for delirium prevention and management. Nurses must closely monitor laboratory parameters including BUN/Cr ratio, serum sodium, and plasma osmolarity, and promptly report abnormalities to physicians. Correction of hypernatremia or hyperosmolarity should be done under physician supervision; nurses facilitate early recognition and medical intervention but do not independently administer electrolyte-correcting treatments.