Abstract：Objective To investigate the effect of active nursing intervention on postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing general surgery.Methods A total of 160 elderly patients who underwent general surgery were randomly assigned to receive routine nursing care(routine group,n=80)or in combination with nursing intervention such as psychological care,nursing education,music nursing(intervention group,n=80).The incidence of delirium was measured by using confusion assessment method at 24,48 and 72 hours after operation and before discharge.Average length of hospital stay and incidence of surgical complications were determined in both groups.Results Compared with routine nursing care,the incidences of postoperative delirium and complications and average length of hospital stay were significantly decreased by nursing intervention(all P<0.05).Conclusion Nursing intervention can decrease the incidences of postoperative delirium and complications,shorten the course of treatment,reduce hospital stay and improve rehabilitation outcomes in elderly patients undergoing general surgery.
2012, Vol. 52 
