Table 1.

Altered Mental Status: Lecture Outline

Recognizing altered mental status (AMS) Defining terms: delirium, dementia, coma Categorizing AMS etiologies (systemic, focal brain, vs. diffuse brain pathology) Overall approach to the altered patient Assessing airway, breathing and circulation (ABCs) Utilizing vital signs to focus differential diagnosis  Temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate  Oxygen saturation, finger stick Key history and physical exam findings Focused neurological exam Utilizing diagnostic testing Case presentations discussing the approach to the agitated AMS patient Case presentations discussing the approach to the mentally depressed AMS patient