Module 1: Introduction to Confusion & Delirium
Predisposing and Precipitating Risk Factors
Predisposing risk factors increase a person’s susceptibility or vulnerability to developing delirium. Precipitating factors contribute to the onset of delirium. Many factors place a patient at increased risk of developing delirium.
Predisposing risk factors
- Age (over 65years old)
- Dementia
- Multiple medications
- Sensory impairment (visual/hearing)
- Dehydration
- Chronic physical illness
- Substance use (including alcohol)
- Depression
- Neurological impairment
- Functional disability
Precipitating risk factors
- Severe acute illness
- Infection
- Changes to electrolyte or acid base
- Alterations in oxygenation
- Heart failure
- Liver or kidney failure
- Hypoglycaemia
- Malnutrition
- Pain
- Stroke
- Alcohol or Benzodiazepine withdrawal
- Surgery, particularly cardiac and orthopaedic
- Acute fracture
- Introduction of three or more medications
- Immobility
- Invasive procedures
- Use of catheters, particularly urinary
- Use of restraints
- Iatrogenic events
