Acute delirium is typically caused by an identifiable underlying factor such as which of the following?

Acute delirium is typically caused by an identifiable underlying factor such as which of the following?

• A. Sepsis or medications or withdrawal are common triggers.
• B. It is always caused by a genetic mutation.
• C. It never involves infection.
• D. It is always due to alcohol withdrawal.

Answer: (A)

Delirium is an abrupt disturbance in attention and cognition that arises from an identifiable, often reversible factor. In most cases, acute delirium is triggered by something treatable, with infections like sepsis and disruptions from medications or withdrawal being among the most common culprits. Because of that, the description that sepsis or medications or withdrawal are common triggers best fits how delirium typically presents. Delirium is not caused by a genetic mutation, it is not excluded by infection, and it is not solely due to alcohol withdrawal; those options don’t reflect the usual, identifiable factors that precipitate delirium. Recognizing these triggers is essential because addressing the underlying cause—such as treating infection, adjusting medications, or managing withdrawal—can often reverse the delirium.

Delirium is an abrupt disturbance in attention and cognition that arises from an identifiable, often reversible factor. In most cases, acute delirium is triggered by something treatable, with infections like sepsis and disruptions from medications or withdrawal being among the most common culprits. Because of that, the description that sepsis or medications or withdrawal are common triggers best fits how delirium typically presents. Delirium is not caused by a genetic mutation, it is not excluded by infection, and it is not solely due to alcohol withdrawal; those options don’t reflect the usual, identifiable factors that precipitate delirium. Recognizing these triggers is essential because addressing the underlying cause—such as treating infection, adjusting medications, or managing withdrawal—can often reverse the delirium.