Geriatric medicine: practice question

A General Medicine 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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General Medicine · Geriatric medicine

Sample item

Which feature distinguishes delirium from dementia most reliably?

AA fixed lifelong learning difficultyBNormal consciousness at all timesCProgressive memory decline over years onlyDAcute onset with fluctuating attention

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

The answer and the reasoning

D. Acute onset with fluctuating attention

Delirium develops over hours to days and fluctuates, with impaired attention and altered arousal; it is commonly triggered by acute illness, medicines, pain, retention, or environmental change and needs cause-focused assessment.

Option by option

A. A fixed lifelong learning difficulty
A lifelong learning difficulty is neither the onset nor course of delirium.
B. Normal consciousness at all times
Delirium often alters arousal and consciousness.
C. Progressive memory decline over years only
Gradual decline is more typical of dementia than delirium.
D. Acute onset with fluctuating attention (correct)
Correct: acute fluctuating inattention is central to delirium.

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.

Questions about this General Medicine question

What is the answer to this General Medicine question?

The best answer is D, Acute onset with fluctuating attention. Delirium develops over hours to days and fluctuates, with impaired attention and altered arousal; it is commonly triggered by acute illness, medicines, pain, retention, or environmental change and needs cause-focused assessment.

Why is "A fixed lifelong learning difficulty" not the answer?

A lifelong learning difficulty is neither the onset nor course of delirium.

Why is "Normal consciousness at all times" not the answer?

Delirium often alters arousal and consciousness.

Why is "Progressive memory decline over years only" not the answer?

Gradual decline is more typical of dementia than delirium.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Geriatric medicine in General Medicine. The correct option holds because: Correct: acute fluctuating inattention is central to delirium.

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 Geriatric medicine?

For each disease know the classic presentation, the best test, and the first-line treatment. Then use the flashcards and the other General Medicine 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.