Journal of perianesthesia nursing : official journal of the American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses
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Delirium occurs in 14% to 56% of postoperative, hospitalized elderly persons, making it one of the most common postoperative complications for the older patient. The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with recovery of delirium from postoperative day one (POD 1) to postoperative day two (POD 2). The hypothesis was that those with less pain are more likely to recover from delirium by POD 2. ⋯ Patients with lower pain levels (NRS ≤4) were also more likely to recover from delirium on POD 2. The type of postoperative pain therapy (the use or nonuse of patient-controlled analgesia) was not related to delirium recovery. The results suggest that aggressive pain management in the first 48 hours postoperatively may be important in promoting recovery from postoperative delirium.