An 82-year-old man is admitted to a medical-surgical unit for diagnostic confirmation and management of suspected delirium. Which statement by the patient's daughter best supports the diagnosis?
1. "Dad has always been so independent. He's lived alone for years since my mom died."
2. "Dad just hasn't seemed to know what he's been doing lately. He has been very forgetful these last few months."
3. "Maybe it's just caused by aging. This usually happens by age 82."
4. "The changes in his behavior came on so quickly. I wasn't sure what was happening."
Answer: 4
Explanation: Delirium is characterized by a rapid and abrupt onset of symptoms. While delirium is more common in older individuals, aging is not a cause of delirium. The fact that the patient has been independent has no bearing on his current symptoms.
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