Which assessment tool is used to detect delirium in ICU patients?

• A. CAM-ICU
• B. CPOT
• C. Glasgow Coma Scale
• D. MAP

Answer: (A)

Delirium in the ICU is an abrupt, fluctuating disturbance of attention and awareness. The CAM-ICU is the tool designed for this setting because it specifically screens for delirium in patients who may be intubated or nonverbal. It guides you through checking for an acute change or fluctuating course, assessing inattention with a simple task, and then evaluating disorganized thinking or altered consciousness. Delirium is indicated when there is an acute change plus inattention, plus either disorganized thinking or altered level of consciousness. This makes CAM-ICU the most appropriate and efficient method for detecting delirium in ICU patients.

In contrast, the CPOT measures pain by observing cues, not cognition. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses overall level of consciousness but does not target delirium detection in ICU patients. MAP is a blood pressure parameter, not an assessment of mental status.