Professional and Linguistic Assessments Board (PLAB) Practice Exam

What condition can cause confusion and psychosis after hospital admission?

1. Sepsis

2. Delirium tremens

3. Post-operative delirium

4. Panic disorder

The correct answer is: Delirium tremens

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals who have been drinking heavily for prolonged periods and then suddenly stop or significantly reduce their alcohol intake. This condition typically develops 48 to 72 hours after the last drink, but it can also manifest during hospital admissions when patients may not have access to alcohol. During hospital stays, especially post-surgery or in the context of a medical illness, individuals may experience increased stress or withdrawal symptoms, which can trigger confusion and psychosis. Delirium tremens is characterized by severe agitation, hallucinations, tremors, and significant alterations in mental status, leading to outcomes such as confusion and psychosis. While sepsis and post-operative delirium can also lead to confusion, their underlying causes differ significantly. Sepsis is an infection that affects the whole body, often leading to confusion as a result of systemic inflammatory response and metabolic derangements rather than direct alcohol withdrawal. Post-operative delirium is a common phenomenon seen in patients after surgery, influenced by medications, anesthesia, and the stress of surgery, and it generally manifests within a short period after the procedure as a response to a different physiological stress. Panic disorder, while it can cause acute anxiety and occasionally lead to confusion