Since the care team noted a change in Mr. Blejnar's attention, Jeremy completes the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM). The CAM is a standardized and reliable tool that can be used to screen for delirium quickly and accurately. For a person to have a positive CAM, they must have both:

AND either

Mr. Blejnar's wife explains that he has had periods of confusion and inattention, but this is similar to his baseline. He currently does not have altered thinking or a significant change in his level of consciousness. Therefore, his CAM screening is negative.

If you would like to review how to use the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) [New tab PDF] to screen for delirium, visit the Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing.