Clinical: Altered Mental Status Flashcards Preview

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Flashcards in Clinical: Altered Mental Status Deck (3)
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1
Q

How to determine if altered mental status is chronic or acute?

A

Acute:

  • days to weeks
  • sudden
  • impaired cognition
  • *reduced attention

Chronic:

  • weeks to months
  • insidious
  • impaired cognition
  • *NO reduced attention
  • usually Neurodegenerative
2
Q

Delirium

A

A subset of acute mental confusion
- ARE NOT SYNONYMOUS

Is usually 2nd to a non-CNS disease process (acute confusion is usually 2nd to CNS diseases)

A disturbance in attention and awareness w/ additional disturbances in cognition
- develops quickly and fluctuates in severity during the day

Usually only diagnosed when there is no better alternative explanation
- usually evidence from Hx/PE/labs that the disturbance is 2nd to a non-CNS condition (there has to be a non-CNS condition present)

*common in hospitalized patients

3
Q

What are alarm features for acute altered mental status

A

Persistent course that is immune to treatment

CNS signs/symptoms are present

Trauma, anticoagulation or CVA risks are present

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