POSTOPERATIVE COMPLICATIONS: PREVENTING DELIRIUM

Course overview

Delirium, defined as a condition of disturbed consciousness with associated cognitive deficits and/or perceptual alterations, is a common postoperative complication. Delirium as a postoperative complication usually has a sudden onset, but can also develop preoperatively or over several hours to several days following surgery, abating only when the underlying etiology is identified and treated. This continuing education module is designed to give the reader/learner an increased understanding of preventing postoperative delirium, including related risk factors, signs and symptoms, and assessment of, and to aid in caring for the patient with this diagnosis. Readers may explore any or all of the topics. One contact hour of continuing education credit is available for those who successfully complete the post-test and evaluation form.