When a patient has delirium after surgery, which medication is typically used for treatment?

• A. Diazepam
• B. Haloperidol
• C. Lorazepam
• D. Quetiapine

Answer: (B)

In the management of postoperative delirium, haloperidol is commonly used due to its effectiveness as an antipsychotic in controlling acute agitation and psychotic symptoms that can occur during delirium. Haloperidol belongs to the butyrophenone class of antipsychotics and works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which can help stabilize mood and decrease symptoms of confusion and agitation.

Haloperidol is typically preferred because it has a well-established safety profile in the elderly, who are often the most affected demographic when it comes to delirium after surgery. The use of haloperidol can effectively address the behavioral symptoms associated with delirium, aiding in the overall management of the condition and improving the patient's ability to participate in their recovery.

Other medications such as benzodiazepines might not be ideal for treating delirium since they can potentially exacerbate cognitive impairment or cause sedation, which complicates the clinical picture. Therefore, haloperidol is the drug of choice in acute cases of delirium, particularly in a postoperative setting.