Question

After being released from a brief hospitalization for minor surgery, 70-year-old Mrs. Bee seemed distractible and disoriented. She did not even recognize her husband when he came to pick her up from the hospital. After they returned home, they discussed their plans for the weekend and Mrs. Bee seemed fine, but as night came on, she could not sleep and began accusing Mr. Bee of throwing away her belongings while she was away. Which of the following disorders best fits Mrs. Bee's symptoms?

a) delusional (paranoid) disorder
b) early dementia, probably Alzheimer's disease
c) delirium
d) depression

Answer 1

The correct option is: c) delirium

Step-by-step explanation:

Delirium is described as a state of acute confusion characterized by drowsiness, disorientation, disturbances in attention, cognition, emotions and consciousness. It also involves impaired sleep-wake cycle, psychomotor disturbances and perceptual disturbances like delusions and hallucinations.

It can be caused due to side effect of medications, withdrawal from drugs, underlying disease, excessive consumption of alcohol and other factors that affect the overall health of an individual.

Therefore, Mrs. Bee's symptoms fits with Delirium.