Altered mental status

 

Altered mental status (AMS) and coma are terms used to describe disorders of arousal and content of consciousness. Delirium vs dementia vs other organic pathology vs functional (psychiatric) Must quickly determine if coma is from diffuse or focal impairment. AMS may account for up to 4% to 10% of chief complaints in the emergency department (ED) setting and is a common accompanying symptom for other presentations [1,2]. Delirium is a serious condition that is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilator use, longer length of stays, and higher hospital and 1-year mortality rates. Medications that lower the seizure threshold such as buproprion and some anti-psychotic medicines should be avoided. Among the potential causes of Nov 1, 2021 · Potential precipitating factors for the recent onset of altered mental status (AMS) include primary central nervous system insults, systemic infections, metabolic disturbances, toxin exposure, medications, chronic systemic diseases, and psychiatric conditions. Ch 18- Altered Mental Status, Stroke, and Headache. Learn more about how to recognize and manage Altered Mental Status (AMS) is a condition marked by an abnormal state of alertness or awareness usually caused by an underlying disease or condition. It is commonly recognized in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) as sudden, fluctuating, and usually reversible disturbance of mental status with some degree of inattention. Alteration of level of consciousness begins with becoming unaware of self, followed by reduced awareness of the environment, and finally an inability to be aroused. [] Feb 22, 2023 · Delirium is a fast-developing type of confusion that affects your ability to focus your attention and awareness. Dementia or other neurocognitive disorders. irreversible. Altered mental status. Uses the time course and symptoms to help derive a differential diagnosis. 40 encephalopathy, unspecified. Specific Learning Objectives. [1] Given the vagueness of the term, it is imperative to understand its key components before considering a differential diagnosis. 04) and more likely to have an acute coronary syndrome than those with normal mental status (85% vs. The needs of the individual patient, resources available, and limitations unique to the institution or type of practice may warrant It causes altered mental state and confusion. The GCS assesses a person based on their ability to perform eye movements, speak, and move their body. 5, 6 A stroke from air embolism Aug 11, 2017 · Altered mental status is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of illnesses that vary in acuity and chronicity. It is usually preventable, treatable, and temporary. It may evolve slowly over days to months as in the case of an expanding intracranial mass, or rapidly in the course of seconds, minutes, or hours as in the case of acute blood loss secondary to trauma. Fundamentally, a patient’s level of consciousness and cognition are combined to form their mental status. 82 - Altered mental status, unspecified answers are found in the ICD-10-CM powered by Aug 12, 2023 · Consultations with an endocrinologist and an intensive care specialist are recommended. somnolence. Mar 27, 2024 · Altered mental status (AMS) is a nonspecific term used frequently in clinical settings to indicate that a patient has deviated from their baseline in behavior, level of consciousness, cognition, or in how they perceive and interact with their environment. AMS accounts for 5% of emergency department (ED) visits. g. Especially useful as diagnostic tool or treatment if respiratory compromise. 2 Aug 9, 2022 · Altered mental status (AMS) is a broad term used to represent a variety of diseases affecting mental functioning ranging from mild disorientation to coma. a variation from the normal function of the mind as judged by a person's behavior, appearance, speech, memory, judgment, or responsiveness to stimuli; altered mental status can range from disorientation to total unresponsiveness or unconsciousness. 81 - Age-related cognitive decline. 3 Despite this, there has been a lack of attention paid to AMS as a presenting symptom of COVID-19 in older adults. Endocrine/hypoglycemia. To continue reading this article, you The mental status examination is an assessment of current mental capacity through evaluation of general appearance, behavior, any unusual or bizarre beliefs and perceptions (eg, delusions, hallucinations), mood, and all aspects of cognition (eg, attention, orientation, memory). May 15, 2020 · When a patient presents to the emergency department (ED) with altered mental status, three broad categories of diagnosis should be considered: delirium, coma, and dementia. Check finger stick glucose first if possible. It has various causes and treatments, many of which require timely intervention [ 1 ]. Given that R41. Oct 24, 2023 · Encephalopathy from head injuries, toxins, cardiac arrest, or lack of oxygen to the brain causes physical damage to the brain that is usually permanent. intoxication) Listen as we explore the top 5 killer diagnoses for patients with altered mental status Drug therapy for mTBI symptoms should follow several general principles. The initial evaluation should comprise a quick but thorough evaluation that 14 Altered mental status; 15 Bleeding; 16 Burns; 17 Chest pain; 18 Constipation; 19 Crying and irritability; 20 Dental pain; 21 Diabetes-related emergencies; 22 Diarrhea; 23 Dizziness and vertigo; 24 Ear pain, nosebleed and throat pain (ENT) 25 Extremity trauma; 26 Eye pain, redness and visual loss; 27 Fever in adults; 28 Fever in children; 29 Mar 29, 2024 · Uremia is a clinical condition associated with declining renal function and is characterized by fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, metabolic abnormalities, and physiological changes. , hypoglycemia, opioid overdose, etc. Causes include almost any disorder or drug. R41. Delirium can often be traced to one or more factors. Thrasher T. (AMS) is an acute change in cognitive function, psychological function, and/or. For patients < 14 years of age refer to . Combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has decreased the incidence of Purpose of review: : Altered mental status is a common reason for neurologic consultation. Evaluated data are almost all from retrospective case reports or The Infectious Diseases Society of America recommends against antibiotic treatment of ASB for most patients including those presenting with altered mental status (AMS). S/S of TIA will resolve over 1 to 2 hours (may last 24 hrs. Factors may include a severe or long illness or an imbalance in the body, such as low sodium. May 22, 2024 · Acute toxic-metabolic encephalopathy (TME), which encompasses delirium and the acute confusional state, is an acute condition of global cerebral dysfunction in the absence of primary structural brain disease [ 1 ]. There are numerous etiologies of altered mental status, and so although many are facile with the workup of this potentially life-threatening entity, it can nevertheless be overwhelming. These forms of acute brain dysfunction are commonly precipitated by an underlying medical illness that can be potentially life-threatening Present in all patient populations, altered mental status (AMS) is a common, but nonspecific emergency department (ED) presentation that can signify serious underlying pathology. About 80% of patients with AMS have a systemic or metabolic cause, and about 15% have a structural lesion. Acute alteration in brain function. Hypoglycemia accounts for approximately 7% of patients presenting to the emergency department with an altered mental status. Case 18-2018: A 45-Year-Old Woman with Hypertension, Fatigue, and Altered Mental Status. A systematic approach to the patient is important, with an Jul 19, 2022 · Altered Mental Status. 35088-4. 89 - Other symptoms and signs involving cognitive functions and awareness. 82 [convert to ICD-9-CM] Altered mental status, unspecified. Fundamentally, mental status is a combination of the patient's level of May 7, 2012 · Altered mental status (AMS) comprises a group of clinical symptoms rather than a specific diagnosis, and includes cognitive disorders, attention disorders, arousal disorders, and decreased level of consciousness. and can manifest with confusion, behavioral changes, and changes in alertness ranging from hyperalertness to. e. signs and symptom of a TIA disappear without any obvious permeant neurologic disorders and stroke (NINDS). PubMed, Scopus and PsychInfo were searched with the following terms: confusion, delirium, altered mental status, acute confusional state, urinary tract infection, urine infection, urinary infection and bacteriuria. It can be caused by many factors, such as infections, medications, strokes, or brain injuries. Depends on cause Diffuse brain dysfunction - lack of focal findings; Focal brain dysfunction - hemiparesis, loss of motor tone, loss of ocular reflexes Jan 18, 2023 · An elevated blood salicylate level correlates with altered mental status, and hemodialysis may be considered in patients with salicylate toxicity and altered mental status. Altered mental status; altered level of consciousness (R40. Tips for the neuro exam in an altered patient. Dec 29, 2020 · Introduction. This guideline was developed to improve health care access in Arkansas and to aid health care providers in making decisions about appropriate patient care. It results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone's surroundings. Acute changes in mental status are more likely than chronic changes to be May 9, 2021 · DKA can be classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the severity of metabolic acidosis and the presence of altered mental status . Making the diagnosis of delirium in the ED is challenging and requires a systematic approach to patients who have an altered mental status. Nov 14, 2017 · This systematic review of cefepime neurotoxicity is the first to describe the range of symptoms (altered mental status, reduced consciousness, confusion, aphasia, myoclonus, seizures, and coma), risk factors for occurrence, and timing of onset and resolution (Table 4 and Fig. Sometimes the cause of acute altered mental status (AMS) is obvious: the patient is septic from an apparent source, or having a hemorrhagic stroke clearly seen on CT. Interpretation of mental status data for nurses’ clinical decision-making requires information on context standardization and precision in references to altered mental status, and integration of information with goals of care. 74%, p=0. Apr 30, 2024 · Acute Confusion (Delirium) and Altered Mental Status Nursing Care Plan. 1 Altered mental status has many definitions, but fundamentally it involves changes in a person’s alertness, attention, memory, and/or awareness. The Glasgow Coma Scale [1] ( GCS) is a clinical scale used to reliably measure a person's level of consciousness after a brain injury . It is therefore beneficial to identify the underlying cause when altered mental status arises to deliver appropriate therapy and treatment. Patients may experience severe headaches, altered mental status, visual disturbances, and seizures. 04). Delirium is multifactorial, as cancer patients have an array of predisposing and precipitating factors: metabolic disturbances, structural lesions, in addition to medications and infection. G93. Jun 1, 2008 · Altered mental status is a fairly common presenting complaint in the pediatric emergency setting because it represents a final common pathway for multiple structural and functional disturbances. The ED Dec 8, 2022 · Altered mental status (AMS) is not a diagnosis; instead, it is a clinical term that describes a wide range of signs and symptoms. The practitioner's role is to stabilize the patient and then perform a rapid but thorough history and examination, including a neurologic examination Jun 3, 2022 · An algorithmic framework to approaching altered mental status. Using four fictional case vignettes of altered mental status we explore important neurological differential diagnoses which could present to the Psychiatrist. 6 Predisposed individuals for ischemic strokes are diabetics, older recipients, and those with valvular heart disease and/or cardiac arrhythmias. The disorder usually comes on fast — within hours or a few days. LOINC. 8,9 Tinnitus, which was Nov 29, 2019 · Altered mental status (AMS) and delirium have a high incidence rate among patients with cancer and this increases dramatically towards the end of life. ” 3(p461) Sep 14, 2019 · Altered mental status (AMS) and delirium have a high incidence rate among patients with cancer and this increases dramatically towards the end of life. A single cause of the altered mental status was found in 33% of patients, whereas 67% had multiple causes. 2018 Jun 14;378 (24):2322-2333. Similarly, medications such as lithium, anti-cholinergic agents, benzodiazepines and others can cause altered mental status and should also be avoided. Sep 24, 2008 · Altered mental status (AMS) is a symptom complex that continually poses a great challenge in the Emergency Department (ED). Oct 7, 2022 · Altered mental status is a general term for a change in your average mental function. “Acute encephalopathy,” as we call it for billing purposes, is extremely common, and when things aren’t clear, I like to use the DMISTO mnemonic, to Oct 14, 2022 · Delirium is a serious change in mental abilities. Altered mental status (AMS) may have an organic (ie, structural, biochemical, pharmacologic) or functional (ie, psychiatric)cause. Presentations of AMS vary widely from stuporous to agitated and combative. level of consciousness. “AMS”, along with the ever-popular “weak and dizzy” and “pain all over” is a chief complaint that creates challenges because of its vague, non-specific nature. The differential diagnosis is broad, and health care providers should be aware of this breadth. Although it is often due to a systemic infection or metabolic derangement, a host of other etiologies can lead to irreversible brain injury if they are not promptly identified and treated. Delirium is a more defined mental status change caused by another medical condition that carries a high morbidity and mortality if missed. Am Fam Aug 30, 2017 · Other rare causes of altered mental status include cerebrovascular events such as ischemic strokes in 0% to 3% and intracranial hemorrhage in 1% to 7% of LT recipients. Consciousness has 2 main components: arousal and Altered mental status (AMS) is a derangement in consciousness and is defined as impaired arousal and awareness of one’s self and environment. Changes in consciousness can be categorized into changes of arousal, the content of consciousness, or a combination of both. sepsis. 83 - Borderline intellectual functioning. Apr 3, 2023 · Altered mental status is a change in cognitive function that can have various causes, such as infection, medication, or toxins. Delirium is also an important manifestation of AMS, especially in older people who In this article we explore common ground shared by psychiatry and neurology and show how incorporation of neurological knowledge can improve the practice of psychiatry. Severely reduced arousal or deep sedation Jun 14, 2018 · Case 18-2018: A 45-Year-Old Woman with Hypertension, Fatigue, and Altered Mental Status. It is often missed or misdiagnosed. There are many potential causes of this Mar 2, 2024 · Symptoms classically include altered mental status, autonomic dysfunction, and neuromuscular excitation. The differential diagnosis is vast and the laboratory testing can vary depending on presenting symptoms and Altered mental status (AMS) is a prevalent and high-risk ED complaint in the US. This plan should include strategies for assessing and monitoring the patient’s Altered mental status is a common chief complaint among older emergency department (ED) patients. An abrupt blood pressure increase can exceed the cerebral blood vessels' autoregulatory capacity, disrupt the blood-brain barrier, and produce brain edema. Appropriate resuscitation with attention to the principle of Airway, Breathing, Circulation (ABC) should be initiated. Delirium is more common in medical settings, such as during long hospital stays or in long-term care facilities. That means your mental state may not go Mar 6, 2018 · Before CDI Effort: If all that is documented is “altered mental status” and “encephalopathy,” I would assign the following two codes: R41. May include alteration of arousal or awareness, thought content, memory, or attention. Pediatric Altered . Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinico-radiological syndrome first described by Hinchey et al. ,[] characterized by headache, altered mental status, seizures, and visual disturbances and characterized by white matter vasogenic edema affecting the posterior occipital and parietal lobes of the brain predominantly. ) Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like conscious or awake state, Reticular Activating System (RAS), altered mental status and more. Altered mental status in the pediatric patient represents a symptom of decompensated acute or chronic injury or illness. This article defines AMS, provides a framework for how to systematically assess this clinical presentation, and identifies some diagnoses that can present in this manner. Mental Status-Treatment Protocol R41. The purpose of this Aug 1, 2013 · All of these patients are registered with chief complaints of altered mental status (AMS), but their underlying pathology and management are very different. Nov 1, 2021 · In older adults, altered mental status (AMS) is a well-recognized presenting symptom in infections, particularly pneumonia. This teaching script provides a framework for the workup of acute altered mental status. However, ED physicians miss the condition in more than 50% of cases. AMS is not a diagnosis but rather a term for symptoms of acute or The etiology of acute-onset altered mental status can be divided into conditions arising from central nervous system (CNS) pathology (such as trauma, seizures, infection, neoplasm, vascular disorder and hydrocephalus) and those conditions that secondarily affect the brain and CNS (such as hypoxia, intoxication, metabolic abnormalities Change in mental status refers to alterations in a person's cognitive function, behavior, or consciousness. D extrose, 1 amp of D50 after thiamine. Hypoglycemia is an important and easily reversible cause of altered mental status in patients presenting to the emergency department. These abnormalities may be chronic, from dementia, or acute, from delirium. 84 - Other specified cognitive deficit. Altered mental status (AMS) is a challenging chief complaint to address in the emergency department (ED). “Altered mental status” is a vague, often misleading description that encompasses a host of presentations that include changes in cognition, mood, behavior and/or level of arousal such as: Coma. , hyper/hyponatremia, hyper/hypoglycemia, hypercalcemia, hyper/hypothyroidism, hypoxia/hypercapnea, hepatic Apr 30, 2024 · The mental status examination was historically the psychiatrist's version of the physical examination. 16–19 Aug 20, 2021 · Key Points. Delirium and/or encephalopathy. Patients may have abnormalities of either one or both of these components. 4-2 mg (IV preferred, can give IM, SC, or intra-tracheal), repeat q 20-30 minutes. Jan 1, 2023 · Altered mental status is a common chief complaint in the emergency department. It may also cause waxing and waning levels of consciousness, disorientation, hallucinations, illusions, and changes in speech or movement. Find evidence-based recommendations, clinical pearls, and resources for clinicians and patients. Treatment is correction of the cause and supportive measures. The term "uremia" literally means "urine in the blood," which develops most commonly in chronic and end-stage renal disease. Acute changes in mental status are more concerning and are usually secondary to delirium, stupor, and coma. 82 is a billable diagnosis code used to specify a medical diagnosis of altered mental status, unspecified. Close observation is recommended over treatment to avoid missing alternative causes of AMS and overuse of antibiotics resulting in adverse events and resistance. Aug 7, 2023 · Altered mental status is a common presentation. 82 is a Chapter 18 symptom code, given that the ICD-10-CM Official Guidelines for Coding and Reporting state Nov 3, 2016 · Altered mental status. Oct 1, 2020 · Altered mental status is a common complaint for hospitalized patients and a diagnostic challenge due to the myriad of potential underlying etiologies. io/medytb2u T . In diabetic patients, approximately 25% will experience hypoglycemia on a regular basis Apr 12, 2022 · Delirium is an acutely altered mental state that causes confusion, disordered thinking, memory issues, and inattention. The purpose of this protocol is to provide for the assessment and treatment of patients with altered mental status. Over 30% of patients have features of both DKA and HHS ( 16 ) with most recent evidence confirming that about 1 out of 4 patients will have both conditions at the time of presentation with hyperglycemic Altered Mental Status. An overview of TME in hospitalized patients will be discussed here; a diagnostic approach to delirium is presented separately. N aloxone (Narcan®), usually 0. 1056/NEJMcpc1802825. It can range from mild confusion to a complete loss of awareness. Delirium is an acute, transient, usually reversible, fluctuating disturbance in attention, cognition, and consciousness level. 2 Moreover, its meaning depends on the context in which it is used. Showing 1-25: ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code R41. Emergent management focuses on stabilizing the patient (airway, breathing, circulation [ABCs]) and quickly identifying and treating reversible causes. Jun 12, 2021 · In older adults, altered mental status (AMS) is a well-recognized presenting symptom in infections, particularly pneumonia. The code is valid during the current fiscal year for the submission of HIPAA-covered transactions from October 01, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Our goal was Altered mental status (AMS) can present as changes in consciousness, appearance, behavior, mood, affect, motor activity, or cognitive func-tion. 2). Common Errors in Management of Altered Mental Status. io/freecontentyt If you’re an medical educator or faculty member, visit: http://lectur. 500 results found. From a functional standpoint, CNS disorders typically manifest as altered mental status and can be clinically subdivided into chronic or acute presentation (Table 2). doi: 10. A systematic review of the literature was conducted assessing the association between confusion and UTI in the elderly. AMS is a clinical sign that is representative of an extensive list of differential diagnoses ranging from benign to life-threatening causes that are reversible vs. Learn how to diagnose and treat recent-onset altered mental status (AMS), which can be caused by various factors such as infections, metabolic disturbances, toxins, medications, and psychiatric conditions. The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) lists five key features that characterize delirium [ 3 ]: Disturbance in attention (reduced ability to direct, focus, sustain, and shift attention) and awareness. It is well known that AMS can serve as a gauge of disease severity in older adults. In modern medicine, the same examination is utilized across specialties depending on the clinician's comfort level and the necessity to examine a patient. Diagnosis is clinical, with laboratory and usually imaging tests to identify the cause. 0); Change in mental status NOS. [2][3] Serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity) is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that results from excessive serotonergic activity throughout the central nervous system. Initial Evaluation of AMS. Causes can be a primary neurologic insult or a result of a systemic illness resulting in end-organ dysfunction of the brain. For instance, the causes of the altered mental status may be alcohol intoxication and traumatic injury. In 1918, Adolf Meyer developed an outline for a standardized method to evaluate a patient's mental status in psychiatric practice. Rapid diagnosis is key in seniors who present to the emergency department (ED) with altered mental status, as the cause may be a life-threatening condition. 82 - Altered mental status, unspecified. Tox (exposures vs. CKD patients are susceptible to a variety of conditions affecting the CNS. This article aims to provide an understanding of change in mental status, including its causes, symptoms, evaluation, and management. 82 altered mental status, unspecified. Duration of onset, associated symptoms, and physical examination findings help narrow differential diagnosis. Nov 1, 2018 · AbstractThis chapter guides the reader on the general principles, clinical manifestations, and management of altered mental status in hospitalized patients Feb 4, 2019 · Methods. These three behaviours make up the three elements of the scale: eye, verbal, and motor. Arousal include … The mental status examination relies on the physician's clinical judgment for observation and interpretation. Consideration should be given to treatable and reversible causes (e. However, less commonly, this condition can also manifest in acute kidney injury if “Altered mental status” is a vague, often misleading description that encompasses a host of presentations that include changes in cognition, mood, behavior and/or level of arousal such as: Coma Stupor Both cerebral cortices must be affected to cause altered mental status; Must quickly determine if coma or lethargy is from diffuse or focal impairment; Clinical Features. Mental status abnormalities are common in older emergency department patients and may be present in up to 40% of ED patients. Unspecified diagnosis codes like R41. HIV-infected patients are vulnerable to developing altered mental status (AMS) for myriad reasons, including the effects of HIV itself, the accompanying immune dysfunction, associated systemic illness, comorbid psychiatric disorders, and complicated medication regimens. AMS is a very common emergency case, but the exact etiology of many AMS patients is unknown. -); altered mental status due to known condition - code to condition; delirium NOS (R41. 64 years, p=0. 1-3 Recent changes are the focus of this arti- Altered mental status (AMS) is a general term used to describe various disorders of mental functioning ranging from slight confusion to coma. Examination of mental status is done in anyone with an altered Altered mental status is a nonspecific diagnosis that encompasses a wide spectrum of disease and is frequently cited as a reason for both hospital admission and inpatient neurologic consultation. Etiologically heterogeneous condition, with leading causes that include trauma and infection. Altered Mental Status . Jun 1, 2020 · Patients with altered mental status were older (68 vs. Because the differential diagnosis is broad, we recommend a systems-based approach to uncover the underlying illness causing the altered mental status. Feb 10, 2017 · Documentation and communication processes for mental status information appear to be variable, informal and imprecise. Learn about the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of altered mental status and how to prevent it. Jan 31, 2022 · Therefore, altered mental status does not generally appear on its own. Patients with HHS can present with altered mental status as a result of significant fluid depletion and decreased cerebral perfusion. Mar 8, 2018 · Altered mental status (AMS) represents a broad spectrum of disease processes, making treatment modalities equally broad and varied. If the cause for AMS is found, the prehospital care providers will then transition to that more-specific protocol. Both cerebral cortices or brainstem must be affected. May 11, 2022 · DEFINITION. Knowledge: Students should be able to describe and define: the pathophysiology, signs, and symptoms of the most common and most serious causes of altered mental status including: metabolic causes (i. Covers the testing and management. Delirium is an acute change in mental state that has four characteristics: altered mental state, inattentiveness, altered level of consciousness, and disorganized thinking. Stupor. Learn about the types, symptoms, and diagnosis of altered mental status. ). 82 are acceptable when clinical information is Feb 2, 2024 · The condition requires prompt but meticulous treatment. N Engl J Med. AMS can present “as changes in consciousness, appearance, behavior, mood, affect, motor activity, or cognitive function. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Jul 18, 2022 · DEFINITION AND TERMINOLOGY. Symptoms included lethargy or coma in 61% of patients, agitation in 44%, disorientation in 83%, lateralizing signs in 41%, delusions or hallucinations in 28%, and seizures in 9%. Feb 12, 2023 · Post-operative delirium (POD) can occur from 10 minutes after anesthesia to up to 7 days in the hospital or until discharge. Recent-onset altered mental status: evaluation and management. Jan 1, 2018 · Sign up here and try our FREE content: http://lectur. It happens when there’s widespread disruption in brain activity, usually because of a combination of factors. Drugs, especially opioids, were associated with altered Aug 7, 2023 · The evaluation and management of altered mental status are broad and require careful history and physical examination to eliminate life-threatening situations. Nurses play a crucial role in the care of patients with confusion and altered mental status, and their nursing care plan should be individualized to the patient’s needs and circumstances. Hepatic Encephalopathy A loss of brain function as a result of failure in the removal of toxins from the blood due to liver damage. Sep 8, 2020 · Infection – meningitis/encephalitis vs. Altered mental status is an umbrella term that covers a broad spectrum of disease processes that vary greatly in chronicity and severity. It is important to recognize the early signs of altered mental status, identify the underlying cause, and to provide the appropriate care to reduce patient morbidity and mortality. Dec 27, 2021 · Altered mental status is a broad category that applies to geriatric patients who have a change in cognition or level of consciousness (LOC). qf ca yz zv nc yh ur fg lr vg