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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2012 May 1.
Published in final edited form as: Anesth Analg. 2011 Apr 7;112(5):1202–1211. doi: 10.1213/ANE.0b013e3182147f6d

Table 3. Prevention of Delirium After Surgery.

Module Postoperative Interventions
Cognitive Stimulation
  • Orientation (clock, calendar, orientation board)

  • Avoid cognitively active medications

Improve Sensory Input
  • Glasses

  • Hearing aids / amplifiers

Mobilization
  • Early mobilization and rehabilitation

Avoidance of Psychoactive Medication
  • Elimination of unnecessary medications

  • Pain management protocol

Fluid and nutrition
  • Fluid management

  • Electrolyte monitoring and repletion

  • Adequate nutrition protocol

Avoidance of hospital complications
  • Bowel protocol

  • Early removal of urinary catheters

  • Adequate central nervous system O2 delivery, including supplemental oxygen and transfusion for very low hematocrit

  • Postoperative complication monitoring protocol