Transient Mental Incapacity in Hospitalized Patient

Age of the patient

• delirious?

• taking a drug that can cause cognitive impairment?

• having an adverse drug reaction?

• have a stroke, cardiac arrest, head injury, or other disorder affecting the brain?

• have an acute illness?

• severe chronic illness?

• have a significant metabolic disorder?

• have hypoxemia and/or hypercarbia?

• have borderline mental competence prior to the admission?

• sleep deprived?

• undergoing a withdrawal reaction?

• depressed, anxious or distressed by the illness?

Does a close family member think that the patient is showing a cognitive impairment?