Author(s):
Manoj Singh Rawat, R. Velmurugan, Kumarasamy AP, Pavleen Kaur, Nitesh Kumar
Email(s):
mrrwawatmanoj@gmail.com
DOI:
10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00047 
Address:
Manoj Singh Rawat¹, R. Velmurugan², Kumarasamy AP³, Pavleen Kaur⁴, Nitesh Kumar⁵
1M. Sc. Nursing, Nursing College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
2Assistant Professor, Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
3Assistant Professor, Medical Surgical Nursing, Nursing College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
4Nursing Tutor, College of Nursing, Stephens Group of Institutions, Jammu & Kashmir, India.
5M. Sc. Nursing, Nursing College, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhopal, India.
*Corresponding Author
Published In:
Volume - 16,
Issue - 3,
Year - 2026
ABSTRACT:
Background: Intensive Care Unit (ICU) delirium is a common and serious neuropsychiatric complication among critically ill patients, characterized by acute disturbances in attention, awareness, and cognition. It affects a significant proportion of patients admitted to intensive care units, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. ICU delirium is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, prolonged hospital stays, and long-term cognitive impairment. Nurses play a pivotal role in early identification, prevention, and management of ICU delirium due to their continuous bedside presence. Objective: This narrative review aims to synthesize recent evidence on nursing approaches for the prevention and management of ICU delirium, with a focus on clinical applicability. Methods: A narrative literature review approach was adopted, considering studies published in the last 15 years. Relevant literature was explored from standard databases using keywords related to ICU delirium and nursing care. Studies focusing on adult ICU patients and nursing interventions were included. Results: The findings indicate that ICU delirium is multifactorial, with contributing factors including advanced age, sedation, mechanical ventilation, sleep disturbances, and environmental stressors. Non-pharmacological nursing interventions such as patient orientation, sleep promotion, early mobilization, sensory support, and family engagement have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing the incidence and severity of delirium. Structured approaches like the ABCDEF bundle further enhance patient outcomes. Pharmacological interventions are limited and should be used cautiously. Conclusion: In the Indian context, challenges such as high patient load, limited staffing, and lack of standardized protocols may hinder optimal delirium care. Strengthening nursing education and implementing evidence-based practices are essential. The review highlights the critical role of nurses in improving outcomes through holistic and patient-centered care.
Cite this article:
Manoj Singh Rawat, R. Velmurugan, Kumarasamy AP, Pavleen Kaur, Nitesh Kumar. Nursing Approaches to the Prevention and Management of ICU Delirium: A Narrative Review. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):234-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00047
Cite(Electronic):
Manoj Singh Rawat, R. Velmurugan, Kumarasamy AP, Pavleen Kaur, Nitesh Kumar. Nursing Approaches to the Prevention and Management of ICU Delirium: A Narrative Review. Asian Journal of Nursing Education and Research. 2026;16(3):234-8. doi: 10.52711/2349-2996.2026.00047 Available on: https://www.ajner.com/AbstractView.aspx?PID=2026-16-3-17
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