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.

Try it

Psychiatry · Delirium

Sample item

An older inpatient develops fluctuating attention, disorientation and visual misperceptions over hours. What is the most likely syndrome?

ADementiaBDeliriumCSchizophreniaDMajor depressive disorder

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

The answer and the reasoning

B. Delirium

Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and awareness caused by an underlying medical, drug or toxic condition. Identify and correct precipitants urgently.

Option by option

A. Dementia
Dementia has a chronic progressive course with comparatively preserved attention early.
B. Delirium (correct)
Correct. Acute fluctuation and inattention distinguish delirium.
C. Schizophrenia
Primary psychosis does not usually cause acute disorientation with fluctuating consciousness.
D. Major depressive disorder
Depression does not usually cause marked fluctuating inattention.

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 Psychiatry question

What is the answer to this Psychiatry question?

The best answer is B, Delirium. Delirium is an acute, fluctuating disturbance in attention and awareness caused by an underlying medical, drug or toxic condition.

Why is "Dementia" not the answer?

Dementia has a chronic progressive course with comparatively preserved attention early.

Why is "Schizophrenia" not the answer?

Primary psychosis does not usually cause acute disorientation with fluctuating consciousness.

Why is "Major depressive disorder" not the answer?

Depression does not usually cause marked fluctuating inattention.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Delirium in Psychiatry. Identify and correct precipitants urgently.

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.