Aquifer Pediatrics: Case 24 - 2 yr old
with altered mental status Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update (2026/2027)
Question:
List your differential diagnosis for a two-year-old with acute onset altered
mental status. -
Answer:
Infection (sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis)
Toxic ingestion
Trauma
seizure
Question:
Pneumonic for altered mental status (AEIOU TIPS)
Answer:
Alcohol, ingested toxins
Epilepsy, encephalitis, endocrine, electrolytes
Infection (meningitis/sepsis)
Overdose, opiates, oxygen deprived
Uremia (renal failure)
Trauma, temperature
Insulin
Psychosis
Stroke, shock, space occupying lesions
, What should be the steps in your initial assessment? (Select the top five.)
The best options are indicated below. Your selections are indicated by the
shaded boxes.
A. Obtain more history from the mother
B. Assess the patency of her airway
C. Observe for cyanosis or respiratory depression
D. Check the vital signs
Question:
E. Order a CT scan of the head
F. Check for evidence of circulatory compromise
G. Order a serum drug screen
H. Perform a complete neurological exam
I. Obtain a fingerstick glucose test
Answer:
Do the ABCDs and check glucose level
Question:
Initial stabilization in a patient with Tachycardia, Hypotension, Hypoxia, and
Hypoglycemia -
Answer:
Immediate treatment to address tachycardia, hypotension, hypoxia, and
hypoglycemia should include
A bolus of 20 cc/kg normal saline to treat tachycardia and hypotension
Administration of oxygen
A bolus of 10% or 25% solution of dextrose (D10 or D25).
Given this information and considering your initial differential diagnosis,
which of the following
diagnoses are most likely? Choose up to 4 answers.
with altered mental status Questions
and Answers Verified Solutions Latest
Update (2026/2027)
Question:
List your differential diagnosis for a two-year-old with acute onset altered
mental status. -
Answer:
Infection (sepsis, meningitis, encephalitis)
Toxic ingestion
Trauma
seizure
Question:
Pneumonic for altered mental status (AEIOU TIPS)
Answer:
Alcohol, ingested toxins
Epilepsy, encephalitis, endocrine, electrolytes
Infection (meningitis/sepsis)
Overdose, opiates, oxygen deprived
Uremia (renal failure)
Trauma, temperature
Insulin
Psychosis
Stroke, shock, space occupying lesions
, What should be the steps in your initial assessment? (Select the top five.)
The best options are indicated below. Your selections are indicated by the
shaded boxes.
A. Obtain more history from the mother
B. Assess the patency of her airway
C. Observe for cyanosis or respiratory depression
D. Check the vital signs
Question:
E. Order a CT scan of the head
F. Check for evidence of circulatory compromise
G. Order a serum drug screen
H. Perform a complete neurological exam
I. Obtain a fingerstick glucose test
Answer:
Do the ABCDs and check glucose level
Question:
Initial stabilization in a patient with Tachycardia, Hypotension, Hypoxia, and
Hypoglycemia -
Answer:
Immediate treatment to address tachycardia, hypotension, hypoxia, and
hypoglycemia should include
A bolus of 20 cc/kg normal saline to treat tachycardia and hypotension
Administration of oxygen
A bolus of 10% or 25% solution of dextrose (D10 or D25).
Given this information and considering your initial differential diagnosis,
which of the following
diagnoses are most likely? Choose up to 4 answers.
