A patient was admitted into the critical care unit 3 days ago. She has just been weaned from mechanical ventilation. She suddenly becomes confused, seeing nonexistent animals in her room and pulling at her gown. You suspect this patient is
a. experiencing delirium or "ICU psychosis."
b. experiencing confusion caused by increased hypoxia.
c. hypocalcemic.
d. acting out to receive the attention she was getting while intubated.
A
Delirium is represented by a global impairment of cognitive processes, usually of sudden onset, coupled with disorientation, impaired short-term memory, altered sensory perceptions (hallucinations), abnormal thought processes, and inappropriate behavior.
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