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 best distinguishes delirium from dementia?

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

The answer and the reasoning

C. Acute fluctuating inattention

Delirium develops over hours to days with fluctuating attention and arousal, so an underlying medical trigger must be sought urgently.

Option by option

  • A. Need for support

    Both conditions can need support.

  • B. Progressive memory loss

    Gradual decline is more typical of dementia.

  • C. Acute fluctuating inattention (correct)

    Correct: fluctuating inattention is central to delirium.

  • D. Older age

    Age alone does not distinguish them.

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 C, Acute fluctuating inattention. Delirium develops over hours to days with fluctuating attention and arousal, so an underlying medical trigger must be sought urgently.

Why is "Need for support" not the answer?

Both conditions can need support.

Why is "Progressive memory loss" not the answer?

Gradual decline is more typical of dementia.

Why is "Older age" not the answer?

Age alone does not distinguish them.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delirium in Psychiatry. The correct option holds because: Correct: 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 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.