Organic psychiatry: Confusion Assessment Method: practice question

A Psychiatry question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Psychiatry · Organic psychiatry: Confusion Assessment Method

Sample item

The Confusion Assessment Method diagnoses delirium when acute onset with fluctuating course and inattention are present together with

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

D. Disorganised thinking or altered level of consciousness

The CAM algorithm requires acute onset and fluctuating course, plus inattention, plus either disorganised thinking or an altered level of consciousness. It is a bedside tool for non-psychiatrists. It does not need hallucinations.

Option by option

  • A. Depressed mood

    Depressed mood is not a criterion.

  • B. Memory loss for remote events

    Remote memory is not the defining feature of delirium.

  • C. Visual hallucinations only

    Hallucinations are common but are not required.

  • D. Disorganised thinking or altered level of consciousness (correct)

    Correct. Disorganised thinking or altered consciousness completes the CAM criteria.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is D, Disorganised thinking or altered level of consciousness. The CAM algorithm requires acute onset and fluctuating course, plus inattention, plus either disorganised thinking or an altered level of consciousness.

Why is "Depressed mood" not the answer?

Depressed mood is not a criterion.

Why is "Memory loss for remote events" not the answer?

Remote memory is not the defining feature of delirium.

Why is "Visual hallucinations only" not the answer?

Hallucinations are common but are not required.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Organic psychiatry: Confusion Assessment Method in Psychiatry. It is a bedside tool for non-psychiatrists. It does not need hallucinations.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Organic psychiatry: Confusion Assessment Method?

Learn each diagnosis by its core features and its first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other Psychiatry questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.