Question

A 78-year-old man in a medical ward develops sudden fluctuating confusion, visual hallucinations, and agitation after hip fracture surgery. He has a history of mild dementia. Vitals are stable, and investigations show a urinary tract infection. Which management approach best reflects current Canadian delirium guidance?

Accepted Answer

Identify and treat precipitating factors, use non-pharmacologic delirium management strategies, and reserve low-dose antipsychotics for severe distress or safety risk

Answer

Use physical restraints and high-dose haloperidol routinely for behaviour control

Answer

Discharge him home because delirium is expected after surgery

Answer

Start long-term benzodiazepines to help him sleep

Answer

Ignore family concerns because delirium resolves on its own

Practice question