Delirium is defined as which of the following?

Delirium is defined as which of the following?

• A. An acute state of confusion due to problems such as high fever, electrolyte imbalances
• B. Chronic dementia
• C. A mood disorder
• D. A seizure disorder

Answer: (A)

Delirium is an abrupt, fluctuating change in mental status caused by an underlying medical problem or its treatment. This description fits best because delirium presents as a sudden onset of confusion related to issues like fever, dehydration, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances, infections, or drug effects, and it can improve when the underlying cause is addressed. It’s different from chronic dementia, which develops slowly and progressively; from mood disorders, which center on persistent mood changes rather than a sudden, global disturbance in attention and awareness; and from seizure disorders, which involve episodes of abnormal brain activity with distinct neurologic events. Recognizing delirium is important because it is often reversible with proper medical care.

Delirium is an abrupt, fluctuating change in mental status caused by an underlying medical problem or its treatment. This description fits best because delirium presents as a sudden onset of confusion related to issues like fever, dehydration, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances, infections, or drug effects, and it can improve when the underlying cause is addressed. It’s different from chronic dementia, which develops slowly and progressively; from mood disorders, which center on persistent mood changes rather than a sudden, global disturbance in attention and awareness; and from seizure disorders, which involve episodes of abnormal brain activity with distinct neurologic events. Recognizing delirium is important because it is often reversible with proper medical care.