How Do You Spell ACTIVE DELIRIUM?

1. Active delirium is a medical term used to describe a state of acute confusion and altered mental status that is characterized by intense agitation, restlessness, and perceptual disturbances. It is often a result of an underlying medical condition or acute illness, and is commonly seen in elderly individuals, especially those with pre-existing cognitive impairments.

   Delirium is a neurological syndrome that manifests as a sudden disturbance in consciousness and cognition, causing individuals to become disoriented and have difficulty focusing or maintaining attention. Active delirium takes this disorganized mental state a step further by involving heightened levels of restlessness, hyperactivity, and potentially dangerous behaviors. Patients with active delirium may exhibit aggression, hallucinations, or delusions, and can become verbally or physically combative.

   This condition poses significant medical risks as it can further worsen the underlying health condition. It can lead to complications such as falls, injuries, or self-inflicted harm due to the heightened state of confusion and agitation experienced by the individual. Prompt medical intervention is crucial in managing active delirium to identify and treat the underlying cause, provide appropriate supportive care, and minimize potential dangers to the patient and others around them.

   Treatment for active delirium involves addressing the underlying cause, such as correcting metabolic imbalances, adjusting medications, or providing treatment for infections or other medical conditions. Additionally, measures to ensure patient safety, including preventing falls or injuries, managing aggressive behavior, and providing a calm and supportive environment, are crucial in the management of active delirium.

2. D. Accompanied by motor excitement.

   A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for ACTIVE DELIRIUM

The term "active delirium" can be broken down into two parts to understand its etymology:

1. Active: The word "active" is derived from the Latin word "actīvus", which means "doing" or "performing". It originated from the root word "agere", which means "to do" or "to act". Over time, "active" has retained its meaning of being engaged in physical or mental activity.

2. Delirium: The word "delirium" comes from the Latin term "dēlīrium", which is derived from the word "dēlīrāre". "Dēlīrāre" combines the prefix "dē-", which suggests "out of", with the word "līra", which means "a furrow or groove carved with a plow".