A patient with fluctuating levels of awareness, confusion, and disturbed orientation shouts, "Bugs are crawling on my legs. Get them off!" Which problem is the patient experiencing?
A) Aphasia
B) Dystonia
C) Tactile hallucinations
D) Mnemonic disturbance

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient feels bugs crawling on both legs, even though no sensory stimulus is actually present. This description meets the definition of a hallucination, a false sensory perception. Tactile hallucinations may be part of the symptom constellation of delirium. Aphasia refers to a speech disorder. Dystonia refers to excessive muscle tonus. Mnemonic disturbance is associated with dementia rather than delirium.

A Patient with Fluctuating Levels of Awareness, Confusion, and Disturbed