Delirium: 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 · Delirium

Sample item

What feature distinguishes delirium from many chronic disorders?

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Acute fluctuating attention impairment

The defining Delirium feature supports Acute fluctuating attention impairment; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Option by option

  • A. Fixed personality trait

    Fixed personality trait is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

  • B. Normal consciousness

    Normal consciousness may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

  • C. Stable lifelong pattern

    Stable lifelong pattern does not fit the central delirium clue.

  • D. Acute fluctuating attention impairment (correct)

    Correct. Acute fluctuating attention impairment is supported by the key finding in this scenario.

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, Acute fluctuating attention impairment. The defining Delirium feature supports Acute fluctuating attention impairment; this conclusion most directly matches the clinical presentation and the usual principle being assessed.

Why is "Fixed personality trait" not the answer?

Fixed personality trait is inconsistent with the priority or diagnosis described.

Why is "Normal consciousness" not the answer?

Normal consciousness may be relevant in another setting but is not the best answer here.

Why is "Stable lifelong pattern" not the answer?

Stable lifelong pattern does not fit the central delirium clue.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delirium in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct. Acute fluctuating attention impairment is supported by the key finding in this scenario.

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 Delirium?

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.