Which intervention is a key strategy to decrease delirium risk by promoting movement?

Which intervention is a key strategy to decrease delirium risk by promoting movement?

• A. Prolonged bed rest
• B. Early mobility
• C. Deep sedation
• D. Isolation

Answer: (B)

Promoting movement through early mobilization directly counters the immobility that often drives ICU delirium. When patients stay active, muscle strength and circulation improve, cerebral perfusion supports brain function, and waking/sleep-wake cycles become more normalized. These effects help reduce confusion and acute cognitive dysfunction, making delirium less likely and easier to manage. Early mobility also enables lighter sedation and greater patient engagement, which further lowers delirium risk and supports faster recovery. Prolonged bed rest worsens delirium risk by increasing deconditioning and reducing sensory and cognitive engagement. Deep sedation raises the likelihood of delirium by suppressing arousal and awareness. Isolation can contribute to delirium via sensory deprivation, but it does not promote movement—making it less effective as a strategy to prevent delirium.

Promoting movement through early mobilization directly counters the immobility that often drives ICU delirium. When patients stay active, muscle strength and circulation improve, cerebral perfusion supports brain function, and waking/sleep-wake cycles become more normalized. These effects help reduce confusion and acute cognitive dysfunction, making delirium less likely and easier to manage. Early mobility also enables lighter sedation and greater patient engagement, which further lowers delirium risk and supports faster recovery.

Prolonged bed rest worsens delirium risk by increasing deconditioning and reducing sensory and cognitive engagement. Deep sedation raises the likelihood of delirium by suppressing arousal and awareness. Isolation can contribute to delirium via sensory deprivation, but it does not promote movement—making it less effective as a strategy to prevent delirium.