Margaret Esobar is a 79 year-old woman who is currently residing in a nursing home. Despite a history of depression, she had no problems adjusting to the facility. Margaret is currently being evaluated for a suspected urinary tract infection. The nurse reports that Margaret is easily distracted, repeats herself when answering questions, asks the same question over and over, seems unable to focus, and cannot respond to questions regarding orientation to where she is and why. Her family shares that Margaret just didn't seem to "be herself" when they visited the night before. The nursing notes in her record indicate that Margaret is cordial and appropriate. What is Margaret's most likely diagnosis?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Margaret's symptoms are consistent with delirium, which is an acute change in mental status due to an underlying medical condition such as a urinary tract infection. Her symptoms of being easily distracted, repeating herself, and inability to focus suggest cognitive impairment, which is characteristic of delirium. Her inability to answer questions regarding orientation also supports a diagnosis of delirium rather than depression or anxiety.

Margaret Esobar Is a 79 Year-Old Woman Who Is Currently