Altered Mental Status Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Altered Mental Status?
Altered Mental Status (AMS) is a broad term that refers to any change in an individual’s mental functioning. It can manifest in various ways, such as confusion, disorientation, difficulty concentrating or remembering, and poor judgment. AMS can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of factors including underlying medical conditions, trauma, substance use or abuse, medication side effects, and even stress. Due to the wide range of causes of altered mental status it is important for a healthcare provider to obtain a complete history from the patient and perform a thorough physical exam. This information will help guide the healthcare provider in determining what type of tests may be necessary to identify underlying medical conditions that could be causing AMS or if further evaluation is needed for other causes such as substance use or abuse. If an underlying medical condition is found to be causing AMS then treatment will depend on the specific disorder but could include medications such as antipsychotics or antidepressants as well as therapy. If substance use or abuse is identified then treatment may involve detoxification followed by ongoing counseling and support services. In either case it is essential that individuals with AMS receive regular follow-up care so that any changes in their symptoms can be monitored and treatment adjusted accordingly. Ultimately it is very important for healthcare providers to recognize altered mental status when it occurs so that appropriate interventions can take place in order to ensure the safety of individuals experiencing this condition as well as those around them. With proper diagnosis and treatment individuals with AMS have a good chance of returning back to their baseline level of functioning which will allow them lead more productive lives free from disruptive symptoms associated with this condition.