25.1.17
Delirium
Malawi Standard Treatment Guidelines, 6th Edition, 2023. Chapter 25, Palliative Care.
Clinical Description
Uncontrolled pain, medications, infections, urinary retention, constipation, metabolic, brain metastases, alcohol withdrawal. Common causes (see relevant chapter for details)
Non-pharmacological
- Ensure safe environment, explanation to patient and caregivers, encourage caregiver to stay with patient at all times, recovery position (if unconscious to protect airway)
Pharmacological
- Haloperidol 1.25-5mg up to 8 hourly (oral or subcutaneously)
Complications and Referral Criteria
- Refer for thorough investigations to confirm the exact cause
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