Objectives:

To analyze, from the nursing records, the variables associated with the appearance of Acute Confusional Syndrome (here after SCA) in geriatric patients of a general hospital in the city of Zaragoza.

Methodology:

Descriptive cross-sectional and retrospective study conducted at the Royo Villanova hospital in Zaragoza between 2011-2014. Study population: N = 881 diagnosed with ACS (2.2% of total income). A total sample of n = 79 was obtained, patients ≥ 60 years, with a diagnosis of ACS by Link Psychiatry.

Results:

The average age of the patients was 82.8 years. The detection of ACS was performed in patients after 1.1 to 3.5 days on average from admission. Barthel Index scores were 40.9 to 60.8. The exitus during the episode of ACS were 10.3% / 15%. The SCA chart was mostly hyperactive and debuted at night and in the afternoon. The most frequent symptoms of ACS recorded by nursing were motor disorders (agitation, restlessness) and disorientation.

Conclusions:

Nursing usually register ACS before the request for collaboration to the psychiatry service, which occurs rarely. Besides these records are accurate and match with the medical terms. New research studies are required to minimize underdiagnosis and not only to detect hyperactivity ACS because all types lead to increased morbidity and mortality of our patients.

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