Mr.Smith (age 72)is brought to the hospital emergency room.His son explains that his father woke up this morning and was "not himself." Mr.Smith appears confused,agitated,and a bit frightened.He does not know his own name and cannot recognize his son.Mr.Smith's son reports that his father had been completely fine with no symptoms prior to that morning.Mr.Smith appears to be suffering from ______________.

Question

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Mr. Smith appears to be suffering from delirium, which is a sudden onset of confusion and disorientation. Dementia and Alzheimer's are more gradual and progressive, while amnestic disorder typically involves memory loss rather than confusion and disorientation.

MrSmith (Age 72)is Brought to the Hospital Emergency Room