Table 4 Difficulty scores and index ranks for nurses’ strain of care when caring for patients with delirium

1

3.37 ± 0.84

18. Uncooperative and difficult to manage

2

3.33 ± 0.98

20. Pulling out tubes and tearing out dressings

3

3.22 ± 0.95

16. Irritability

4

3.20 ± 0.96

15. Shouting loudly

5

3.16 ± 0.88

19. Unplanned attempts to get out of bed

6

3.14 ± 0.95

14. Irritability and excruciating

7

3.11 ± 0.76

17. Increased activity

8

2.98 ± 0.83

12. Alternating between clarity and confusion

9

2.86 ± 0.74

13. Sleep-arousal cycle disorder

10

2.85 ± 0.77

9. Talking to someone who is not actually present

11

2.82 ± 0.88

11. Speaking incoherently

12

2.82 ± 0.74

10. Repetitive behaviour

13

2.79 ± 0.64

5. Difficulty concentrating and easily distracted

14

2.77 ± 0.69

4. Lacking awareness or understanding of own situation or disease

15

2.66 ± 0.73

8. Recalling incorrect names of familiar people

16

2.61 ± 0.63

7. Avoiding eye contact

17

2.58 ± 0.70

6. Speaking slowly or indecisively

18

2.48 ± 0.66

3. Reduced activities

19

2.38 ± 0.65

2. Mental depression and lack of motivation

20

2.38 ± 0.71

1. Avoidance and abnormal quietness

Average

2.94 ± 1.77

Entire sample