Delirium: Causes and Diagnosis

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What is a key characteristic that distinguishes delirium from psychosis?

Sudden onset of symptoms (correct)

History of prior mental illness

Auditory hallucinations

Gradual onset of symptoms

Which of the following is a diagnostic test for delirium?

Complete blood count

Electrocardiogram (ECG)

Mini mental status examination (correct)

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

What is a common feature of delirium that is not typically seen in psychosis?

Disorganized thinking

Hallucinations

Delusions

Fluctuation of levels of confusion (correct)

What is the primary goal of treatment for delirium?

Treat underlying medical conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a potential cause of delirium?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of delirium?

Impaired attention and concentration Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of delirium that affects cognitive functioning?

Impaired cognitive functioning due to diffuse brain dysfunction Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of elderly medical clients who experience a life-threatening confusional state?

15-50% Signup and view all the answers

What is the onset of delirium typically characterized by?

Rapid onset of symptoms Signup and view all the answers

What is a common underlying cause of delirium?

All of the above Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is a characteristic of delirium?

Anxious or irritable mood Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary neurotransmitter responsible for regulating consciousness, and a deficit of which is associated with delirium?

Acetylcholine Signup and view all the answers

What is affected by delirium, apart from perception and thinking?

Attention, wakefulness, and psychomotor behaviour Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a cause of delirium?

Epilepsy Signup and view all the answers

What is the estimated percentage of medically compromised patients who are prone to delirium?

20-30% Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of the thought process in delirium?

Slow and muddled Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a symptom of delirium?

Disorientation to time and place Signup and view all the answers

What is a pharmacological cause of delirium?

Drugs abuse or withdrawal Signup and view all the answers