Asked by Rebecca Grimes on Jun 02, 2024

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An 80-year-old hospitalized individual is recovering from surgery but now has gotten an infection. Over the course of a few days, the person shows increasing confusion and consistently misinterprets what others are trying to communicate. The MOST probable diagnosis for this condition is:

A) neurocognitive disorder.
B) delirium.
C) schizophrenia.
D) substance abuse.

Hospitalized Individual

A person who has been admitted to a hospital for treatment, observation, or other health care services.

Delirium

An acute, often sudden, decline in attention and cognition, manifesting as confusion, which can have multiple causes including illness, medication, or substance intoxication.

  • Recognize the causes of delirium and assess its implications for the elderly.
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Janine PlamondonJun 03, 2024
Final Answer :
B
Explanation :
Delirium is characterized by an acute onset of confusion, altered level of consciousness, and a fluctuating course. It is common in hospitalized individuals, especially older adults and those recovering from surgery, often triggered by infections or medications.