Altered Mental Status

Question 1

Arousal system dysfunction with content of consciousness affected

Answer 1

Delirium

Question 2

Failure of both arousal & content (self-awareness, language, reasoning, spatial relationships integration) functions

Answer 2

Coma

Question 3

Increased somnolence during the day & agitation at night

Answer 3

Sundowning

Question 4

Alternative to MMSE <3 mins

Answer 4

Quick confusion scale

Question 5

Sedation for delirium

Answer 5

Haloperidol 5-10 mg PO (1-2 mg for elderly). Repeat at 20-30 mins interval. Can also be used in combination to lorazepam 0.5-2 mg PO/IM/IV

Question 6

Stage of dementia involving memory loss, naming problems & forgetting items

Answer 6

EARLY stage

Question 7

Stage of dementia involving loss of reading, loss of direction or decrease in performance in social situation

Answer 7

MIDDLE stage

Question 8

Stage of dementia including personality change or inability to perform self-care tasks

Answer 8

LATE stage

Question 9

Progressive loss of consciousness
Decorticate posturing
Loss of brainstem reflexes
Irregular respiration

Answer 9

Central herniation syndrome

Question 10

Ipsilateral hemiparesis
Sluggish - nonreactive ipsilateral pupil
Progressive drowsiness to unresponsive

Answer 10

Uncal herniation syndrome