Dorothy is an 80-year-old patient in general medical-surgical ward in a large hospital. Shortly after her admission, she becomes confused and displays memory loss and difficulty focusing her attention. These symptoms dissipate within 2 days. Dorothy is MOST likely experiencing ______.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Dorothy is most likely experiencing delirium, which is a common occurrence in older adults who are hospitalized. Delirium is characterized by confusion, memory loss, and difficulty focusing attention, and it typically occurs suddenly and fluctuates over time. Unlike Alzheimer's disease or frontotemporal neurocognitive disorder, delirium is usually reversible, and symptoms typically improve within a few days or weeks. Pick's disease is a rare neurodegenerative disorder that typically affects younger individuals, and it is unlikely to be the cause of Dorothy's symptoms.

Dorothy Is an 80-Year-Old Patient in General Medical-Surgical Ward in a Large