Which statement about delirium screening in the ICU is true?

• A. CAM-ICU is used to detect delirium in ICU patients
• B. CPOT is used to measure pain levels in nonverbal patients
• C. MAP is used to monitor delirium risk
• D. GCS is the primary tool for delirium detection in ICU

Answer: (A)

Delirium screening in the ICU relies on a bedside tool that works well for patients who may be intubated or nonverbal. CAM-ICU is designed specifically for this setting and is used to detect delirium quickly at the bedside. It screens for key features: an acute change or fluctuating course, inattention, and either an altered level of consciousness or disorganized thinking. Delirium is identified when the patient has both an acute change and inattention, plus either disorganized thinking or altered consciousness. This makes CAM-ICU a practical and validated choice for ICU delirium detection.

Other options don’t fit as delirium screening tools. The CPOT measures pain in nonverbal patients, not cognitive status. Mean arterial pressure tracks perfusion and hemodynamics, not delirium risk or presence. The Glasgow Coma Scale assesses overall level of consciousness but does not specifically screen for delirium, which involves fluctuating attention and cognition beyond what the GCS measures.