Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium (CAPD)
Nursing-administered observational delirium screening tool for children in PICU. Validated for all ages including non-verbal and pre-verbal children. Score >= 9 indicates delirium.
Score interpretation
CAPD < 9 -- delirium not indicated; continue monitoring
→ Continue routine CAPD screening every 8-12 hours while in PICU; delirium prevention bundle: adequate sleep, daily awakening trials, optimise analgesia, early mobilisation, environmental cues (day/night lighting, clocks, familiar objects from home), family presence, minimise sedation; document CAPD in nursing notes.
CAPD >= 9 -- paediatric delirium likely; further assessment and management required
→ Notify the PICU medical team and confirm with clinical assessment; identify and treat underlying causes: pain, infection, metabolic (glucose, Na, Ca, Mg, PO4), medication review (benzodiazepines, opioids, anticholinergics, steroids), sleep deprivation, constipation, urinary retention; intensify non-pharmacological measures; an antipsychotic only on specialist advice if hyperactive delirium threatens safety (off-label in children — doses from a children's formulary); avoid benzodiazepines where possible; repeat CAPD each shift; involve the family.
Interpretation bands for the CAPD. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
- Traube C et al. Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium: a valid, rapid, observational tool for screening delirium in the PICU. Crit Care Med. 2014;42(3):656-663.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ibuprofen (Paediatric) · NSAID / Analgesic / Antipyretic
- Paracetamol (Paediatric) · Analgesic / Antipyretic — First-Line Pain and Fever in Children
- Morphine (Paediatric) · Opioid Analgesic — Moderate to Severe Pain in Children
- Gentamicin (Paediatric) · Aminoglycoside — Neonatal Sepsis / Gram-Negative Infections in Children
- Vancomycin (Paediatric) · Glycopeptide Antibiotic — MRSA / Severe Gram-Positive Infections in Children
- Iron Supplementation (Paediatric) · Iron Supplement — Iron Deficiency Anaemia in Children
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.