FAU Advanced Health Assessment Practice Test

A sudden decline in orientation in an 82-year-old woman after starting antibiotics may indicate which condition?

1. Alzheimer's dementia

2. Stroke

3. Delirium

4. Meningitis

The correct answer is: Delirium

A sudden decline in orientation, especially in an elderly patient like the 82-year-old woman mentioned, can often indicate the presence of delirium. This is a critical understanding in advanced health assessment because delirium is characterized by an abrupt onset of confusion and changes in cognition, often triggered by medical issues, medications, or infections. In the context of starting antibiotics, this patient may be experiencing a reaction to the medications or an underlying infection that the antibiotics are intended to treat. Delirium can arise very quickly, especially in older adults, due to factors such as metabolic imbalances, drug side effects, or acute illness. Recognizing delirium is essential because it requires prompt evaluation and management to prevent further complications, unlike chronic conditions such as Alzheimer’s dementia, which typically presents with gradual cognitive decline rather than an acute change in orientation. Regarding the options about other potential conditions, while a stroke can lead to sudden changes in mental status, it typically presents with other neurological signs and symptoms, making it less likely in this scenario. Meningitis can cause confusion and altered consciousness, but it would usually accompany other signs of infection, such as fever and neck stiffness. Alzheimer's dementia manifests over a longer term, lacking the acute nature of the observed change in