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A 25-year-old individual was brought by ambulance to the emergency room. The patient's sensorium alternates between clouded and clear, and the patient becomes agitated both physically and verbally when approached. The patient's roommate states that the patient "was fine after getting up this morning but started talking crazy about 3 hours ago." The patient's cognitive impairment is most consistent with:

  • A. delirium.
  • B. dementia.
  • C. sundown syndrome.
  • D. early-onset Alzheimer disease.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: delirium. Delirium is an acute change in mental status characterized by fluctuating levels of consciousness, inattention, disorganized thinking, and altered perception. In this case, the patient's clouded and clear sensorium, agitation, and recent onset of symptoms are indicative of delirium.

Choice B: dementia, is incorrect because dementia is a chronic, progressive decline in cognitive function that does not typically present with acute changes in mental status.

Choice C: sundown syndrome, is incorrect as it refers to a pattern of worsening confusion or agitation in the late afternoon or evening, not necessarily characterized by acute onset and fluctuating levels of consciousness.

Choice D: early-onset Alzheimer disease, is incorrect because Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia that does not typically present with the acute and fluctuating symptoms described in the scenario.