Delirium
Acute, fluctuating confusion — often from infection, hypoxia, or medication.
Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness and attention, commonly triggered by infection, hypoxia, dehydration, or medication. New confusion in an older adult is treated as a urinary tract infection until proven otherwise, so check vital signs, oxygen saturation, glucose, and the medication list. Because delirium is reversible, treat the underlying cause and minimize sedating medications rather than assuming permanent decline.
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