Final answer:
The electrolyte disorder commonly associated with delirium is hyponatremia, which occurs when the sodium in the blood is diluted by excess water or lost due to various conditions, leading to a critical imbalance affecting neurological function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The electrolyte disorder commonly associated with delirium is hyponatremia. Hyponatremia is a condition characterized by lower-than-normal levels of sodium in the blood, which can result in a wide spectrum of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. One of these severe symptoms is delirium, a state of mental confusion that can be very distressing.
Sodium plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluids in and around your cells. Hyponatremia occurs when there is an excess water accumulation in the body, diluting the sodium present, or when there is an absolute loss of sodium due to conditions such as excessive sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, and certain medical conditions like diabetes and its associated acidosis. When sodium levels in the blood become too low, it can cause an imbalance in the electrolytes that is critical for cell function, leading to neurological symptoms such as delirium.