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Delirium — ABFM Board MCQ

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HardGeriatricsDeliriumABFM Board

A 82-year-old nursing home resident develops acute confusion over 24 hours. He is inattentive, has fluctuating alertness, temperature 100.9°F, and suprapubic tenderness. Baseline cognition was normal last week. Which of the following is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Delirium

Acute onset, fluctuating course, inattention, altered alertness, and a medical trigger are characteristic of delirium. Evaluation should identify reversible causes such as infection, medication effects, pain, urinary retention, or dehydration.

Reference: American Geriatrics Society Delirium Guideline