CAM-ICU Calculator

CAM-ICU Calculator for Critical Care. A positive result identifies the CAM-ICU feature combination and supports further clinical evaluation; it does not identify the cause of delirium. A negative result applies only to an interpretable assessment at that time. It cannot exclude a later fluctuation.

For shared guidance on choosing a tool and documenting results, read the clinical calculator workflow.

How this calculator works

This implementation applies CAM-ICU logic to findings already obtained using the official procedure. It first checks the completed RASS and whether reliable testing is possible. At RASS -4 or -5 it records unassessable. Otherwise the rule is feature 1 AND feature 2 AND either altered arousal or feature 4; altered arousal is derived from RASS being different from zero.

When to use this calculator

Use the page after trained assessment of acute or fluctuating mental status, inattention and disorganized thinking. The feature summaries are not substitutes for the official attention and reasoning tasks. Communication barriers, paralysis and other confounders require a judgment about assessability.

Inputs used

  • Completed RASS score
  • Can the assessment be performed reliably?
  • Acute change or fluctuating mental status established?
  • Inattention established by the official assessment?
  • Disorganized thinking established by the official assessment?

Clinical interpretation

A positive result identifies the CAM-ICU feature combination and supports further clinical evaluation; it does not identify the cause of delirium. A negative result applies only to an interpretable assessment at that time. It cannot exclude a later fluctuation.

Worked example

With RASS zero, established acute change and inattention but no disorganized thinking, the rule is negative. Changing RASS to -1 makes the same feature combination positive. A RASS of -4 produces unassessable even if no feature responses are entered.

Limitations and safety notes

The site cannot validate the observed features or resolve language and motor confounders. It does not reproduce tasks, commands or copyrighted training materials. Do not record a deeply unarousable patient as CAM-ICU negative, and do not use a negative result to dismiss new clinical concern.

Frequently asked questions

Why is altered arousal not entered separately?

It is derived from the completed RASS, preventing contradictory arousal responses.

What happens at RASS -4 or -5?

The result is unassessable, not a negative delirium screen.

Can I answer an unknown feature as no?

No. Complete an interpretable assessment first; missing feature responses block the calculation.

References

  • Instrument-owner assessment resources, RASS assessability gate and CAM-ICU feature logic; no task materials reproduced. https://www.icudelirium.org/medical-professionals/delirium/monitoring-delirium-in-the-icu

Editorial review and citation methodology

Maintained by the Quick Medical Calculator Editorial Team. Content record date: September 9, 2026. A content date is not evidence of independent clinical review. Individual clinical sign-off is not recorded on this page.

  • Prefer original validation studies for scoring systems and prediction tools.
  • Use current specialty society guidance, transplant allocation policy, public health guidance, or regulator resources when they govern clinical use.
  • Include limitations and safety notes when a calculator is population-specific, context-dependent, or unsuitable as a standalone decision tool.

Related reviewed calculators