this the subject the topic should be on. and a permalimk to the article should be attached to it. The significant clinical issue I have chosen to further research is Intensive Care Unit (ICU) delirium.  Working in an ICU, I have witnessed ICU delirium first hand.  It is quite common in the Trauma ICU in my hospital, because it has no windows. ICU delirium is a significant issue, because it has been linked to negative patient outcomes such as longer hospital stays and higher risk of mortality.  It is a serious issue, because it can be hard to assess until it has already become full blown.  There are suggested tools and preventive measures, but no solid treatment. Every patient in the ICU is at risk for developing ICU delirium.  On my floor I would say at least 25% of the patients have ICU delirium.  Standard practice at my hospital is to use the CAM-ICU scale once per shift to assess for delirium.  It is common to look through a patient’s chart and see “unable to assess” in the comments.  This is related to the patient being intubated, sedated, and/or the nurse not knowing the patient’s baseline.  Another gap in knowledge is in relation to the fact that there are subtypes of ICU delirium. According to Jun Gwon (2013) “Physicians and other caregivers in the ICU usually notice agitation as a consequence whereas patient with hypoactive delirium, which is a more frequent subtype . . . remain unnoticed” (p. 195).  Noticing that a patient has become aggressive and irritated comes easily, but noticing a patient is not as talkative or less engaged can easily get missed. Chamberlain School of Nursing (2015). Reading research literature – The research process – Lesson. [Online lecture, Week 2].  Retrieved from nursingonline.chamberlain.edu Houser, J. (2015). Nursing research: Reading, using, and creating evidence (3rd ed.). Sudbury, MA: Jones & Bartlett. Jun Gwon, C. (2013). Delirium in the intensive care unit. Korean Journal of Anesthesiology, 65(3), 195-202. doi: 10.4097/kjae/2013.65.3.195

Intensive Care Unit (ICU) delirium is a significant clinical issue that can have serious consequences for patients. ICU delirium refers to a state of acute confusion and disorientation that occurs in patients admitted to the ICU. It is commonly observed in the Trauma ICU at the author’s hospital, possibly due to the lack of windows. This issue is of concern because it has been linked to negative patient outcomes, including longer hospital stays and higher mortality rates.

Assessing and diagnosing ICU delirium can be challenging, as it may go unnoticed until it has progressed to a more severe state. This difficulty is compounded by the fact that many ICU patients are intubated and sedated, making it challenging to assess their mental status. The author notes that the use of the CAM-ICU scale is the standard practice at their hospital for assessing delirium. However, there are instances where the assessment is not possible, leading to gaps in knowledge regarding the prevalence and severity of delirium among ICU patients.

Another important aspect of ICU delirium that requires further research is the existence of subtypes. The author cites a study by Jun Gwon (2013) that highlights the distinction between hypoactive and hyperactive delirium. While hyperactive delirium, characterized by agitation and irritability, is more easily noticeable, hypoactive delirium, which is more prevalent, may go unnoticed. This knowledge gap further highlights the need for improved tools and strategies for detecting and managing ICU delirium in all its subtypes.

The topic of ICU delirium has garnered increasing attention in recent years, with researchers and healthcare professionals recognizing its significance. To gain a more comprehensive understanding of this issue, it is crucial to review relevant research literature and evidence. By examining the existing body of work on ICU delirium, researchers can identify key gaps in knowledge and potential areas for further investigation.

One recommended resource for reading research literature is the nursing online lecture provided by the Chamberlain School of Nursing (2015). This lecture covers the research process and offers valuable insights into reading, critiquing, and utilizing research articles in nursing practice. Such knowledge will be integral in conducting a thorough review of the literature on ICU delirium.

Moreover, the textbook “Nursing Research: Reading, Using, and Creating Evidence” by Houser (2015) is an essential resource to guide the research process. This text provides a comprehensive overview of research methods and critical appraisal techniques used in nursing research. By utilizing the principles outlined in this text, researchers can develop a systematic approach to reviewing and analyzing the literature on ICU delirium.

In conclusion, ICU delirium is a significant clinical issue with potential adverse outcomes for patients. The challenges in assessing and diagnosing delirium, as well as the existence of subtypes, highlight the need for further research in this area. Reviewing relevant research literature and utilizing appropriate resources will be essential in gaining a comprehensive understanding of ICU delirium and informing evidence-based interventions to address this issue effectively.