A 78-year-old woman with dementia and a history of hypertension develops acute confusion, inattention and fluctuating level of consciousness over 24 h...

Question

A 78-year-old woman with dementia and a history of hypertension develops acute confusion, inattention and fluctuating level of consciousness over 24 hours while hospitalised with pneumonia. Which diagnosis best explains her current mental state?

Accepted Answer

Delirium

Answer

Progression of dementia

Answer

Major depressive episode

Answer

Generalised anxiety disorder

Answer

Schizophrenia

ca-mccqe1 MCQ (SBA): Delirium superimposed on dementia

A 78-year-old woman with dementia and a history of hypertension develops acute confusion, inattention and fluctuating level of consciousness over 24 hours while hospitalised with pneumonia. Which diagnosis best explains her current mental state?