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Visual impairment causing medication errors — SCE Geriatric Medicine MCQ

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HardSensory impairmentVisual impairment causing medication errorsSCE Geriatric Medicine

In the post-anaesthetic recovery unit, an 82-year-old has acute inattention, fluctuating arousal and disorganised thinking. Which assessment-tool choice matches current NICE guidance for this setting?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Use CAM-ICU or ICDSC, then obtain expert diagnostic confirmation

Explanation lettering: C = shown as A · D = shown as C · E = shown as D · A = shown as E

D is correct. NICE specifies CAM-ICU or ICDSC in critical care and the recovery room; a clinician with relevant expertise confirms the diagnosis. A is not a delirium diagnostic pathway. B seeks a possible precipitant and cannot diagnose delirium. C incorrectly applies the ward 4AT to recovery. E loses the opportunity for timely recognition.

Reference: NICE CG103 delirium recommendations: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/cg103/chapter/Recommendations