Question

A 79-year-old woman in a residential aged care facility develops new-onset agitation, fluctuating confusion and inattention over 24 hours while being treated for a urinary tract infection. She has a history of mild cognitive impairment. According to Australian delirium guidance, what is the most important initial management principle?

Accepted Answer

Identify and treat underlying causes such as infection, pain and medications while providing supportive non-pharmacological care

Answer

Immediately start high-dose antipsychotics for behavioural control without further assessment

Answer

Use benzodiazepines as first-line treatment for agitation in all older patients

Answer

Transfer to long-term psychiatric care without medical review

Answer

Restrain the patient physically as the primary management strategy

Practice question