Preventive Nursing Interventions for Delirium in ICU

Delirium is a severe neuropsychiatric syndrome characterized by acute deficits in attention and other cognitive aspects, which can significantly impact hospitalized patients, their families, and healthcare systems. This article examines various preventive nursing interventions for delirium, particularly in patients admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The prevalence of delirium among hospitalized patients ranges from 20% to 30%, while in the ICU, it can reach 25% to 87%. Due to the lack of effective pharmacological options, the management of delirium focuses on prevention and early identification. This review study collects and analyzes recent research on nursing interventions. These interventions include visual and auditory methods, environmental modifications, mobility, family involvement, and cognitive strategies. Results indicate that cognitive interventions, family engagement, and improved environmental conditions can effectively prevent delirium in ICU patients; however, some interventions, such as pain reduction, noise reduction during sleep, and environmental light adjustment, did not impact the occurrence rate of delirium in hospitalized patients. Ultimately, given the high prevalence of delirium and its negative consequences, there is a need for further research on nursing interventions and diagnostic tools for better management of this condition in ICU patients.