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Case study on how hypoxia and electrolyte imbalances can cause Confusion/Delirium According to Whitaker (1989), elderly surgical patients appear to have a higher tendency to post-operative delirium in comparison to other age groups. Through countless researches (Lindesay, Macdonald & Starke, 1990; Mentes, Culp, Maas & Rantz, 1999) the determinant(s) contributing to this phenomenon remained a puzzle. Delirium is a state of temporary but acute mental confusion (Lewis Heitkemper & Dirksen, 2003). Clinically, delirium is rarely caused by a single factor. It is often the result of the interaction of the patient's underlying condition with a precipitating event. It may be the result of a combination of factors including anesthesia, major surgery, infection and prolonged sleep deprivation (Lewis et al, 2003). Delirium can also arise from hypoxia and water-electrolyte imbalances, which are caused by disruption to oxygenation and ventilation, metabolism and elimination, respectively. Since Mr Munro has had insomnia since...

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