Mental Status Changes
 
Introduction
Acute Confusion
   Infectious
   Metabolic
Cases
   Headache
   Fever & Confusion
   Focal Weakness
   Nice Doggie
   She's Talking a Lot
   Hemiparesis
   Unconscious
   Police Call
 

Gladys, a 26 year-old woman, is brought by the police after being found wondering around confused.

  • Gladys was able to give her name, but otherwise she was confused, disoriented and could give no history.

Physical exam:

  • Thin woman who was afebrile and tachycardic.

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  • Vital signs: Temp = 37.2°C, Pulse = 120, BP = 110/60, Resp = 30
  • No focal neurological deficits and no nuchal rigidity.
  • Lungs sounded clear and her cardiac and abdominal exams were unremarkable.

Admiting disposition:

  • She was sedated with thorazine to control her wandering.
  • She was empirically started on qunine
  • A hemogram was ordered and LP performed.
  • A psychiatric consult was requested for the next day.

The next morning.

 
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