Which statement best describes delirium?

Which statement best describes delirium?

• A. Delirium is a long-term mood disorder.
• B. Delirium is a chronic, progressive decline.
• C. Delirium is an irreversible memory loss condition.
• D. Delirium is acute and often reversible with fluctuating consciousness.

Answer: (D)

Delirium is an abrupt disturbance of consciousness and attention that develops over hours to days and tends to fluctuate in severity throughout the day. It results from an acute brain dysfunction usually caused by an underlying medical condition, medication effects, infection, dehydration, metabolic problems, or substance withdrawal. Because the root cause is often identifiable and treatable, delirium is often reversible with prompt medical care. This distinguishes it from chronic, progressive conditions like dementia, which are not rapidly reversible, and from mood disorders, where the core issue is mood rather than an acute, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness. Memory problems can occur during delirium, but the key feature is the acute, fluctuating state that can improve once the underlying cause is addressed.

Delirium is an abrupt disturbance of consciousness and attention that develops over hours to days and tends to fluctuate in severity throughout the day. It results from an acute brain dysfunction usually caused by an underlying medical condition, medication effects, infection, dehydration, metabolic problems, or substance withdrawal. Because the root cause is often identifiable and treatable, delirium is often reversible with prompt medical care. This distinguishes it from chronic, progressive conditions like dementia, which are not rapidly reversible, and from mood disorders, where the core issue is mood rather than an acute, fluctuating disturbance of consciousness. Memory problems can occur during delirium, but the key feature is the acute, fluctuating state that can improve once the underlying cause is addressed.