15th February 2025

You are treating a 73-year-old gentleman with a prior diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease who has become increasingly agitated following surgery for a fractured neck of the femur.

You are treating a 73-year-old gentleman with a prior diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease who has become increasingly agitated following surgery for a fractured neck of the femur. You know that drug therapy in the management of delirium should be avoided if possible, so have tried to optimise other contributing factors such as pain, dehydration, environment and possible infection. However, in this case, sedation is felt to be needed in order to stop the patient endangering themselves and in order to carry out essential investigations. Which is the initial drug treatment for delirium?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.