A 60-year-old man develops an acute onset of confusion, ataxia, nystagmus, and hypothermia shortly after the administration of an intravenous solution containing 5% glucose and normal saline. The pathogenesis of this patient's neurologic disorder is most closely related to which of the following conditions? A) Central pontine myelinolysis B) Purkinje cell atrophy C) Thiamine deficiency D) Viral encephalitis E) Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency

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Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient's symptoms of acute confusion, ataxia, nystagmus, and hypothermia, especially after the administration of an intravenous glucose solution, suggest Wernicke's encephalopathy, which is caused by thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. Administering glucose without thiamine can precipitate or exacerbate this condition.

A 60-Year-Old Man Develops an Acute Onset of Confusion, Ataxia