Approximately what proportion of ICU delirium patients remain delirious at discharge?

• A. 5%
• B. 20%
• C. 10%
• D. 30%

Answer: (C)

Delirium in the ICU is often reversible as the acute illness improves and contributing factors are addressed. While many patients regain orientation and return to baseline before discharge, a smaller portion still experience delirium when they leave the ICU or hospital. Approximately one in ten delirious ICU patients remain delirious at discharge. This persistence is more likely with older age, preexisting cognitive impairment, longer duration of delirium, and greater severity of illness, and it is linked to longer hospital stays and higher risk of ongoing cognitive issues after ICU. In practice, that’s why ongoing delirium monitoring and careful management—minimizing sedatives, optimizing sleep, promoting mobility, and reorientation with family support—are essential throughout the ICU stay and as discharge approaches.