StarGuard Sixth Edition (6E) 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "altered mental status (AMS)" is used to describe a condition where a person exhibits confusion, slowed thinking, loss of balance, and impaired vision. This broad category encompasses a range of cognitive impairments and can occur due to various underlying issues such as intoxication, medication effects, metabolic disturbances, or neurological conditions. The symptoms listed indicate a change from the individual's baseline cognitive and physical functioning, fitting precisely within the definitions and characteristics associated with AMS.

In this context, other terms do not accurately capture the broad spectrum of symptoms presented. Anxiety disorders primarily focus on emotional and psychological symptoms rather than cognitive impairments and physical balance issues. Neurological deficits indicate specific losses of function tied to nerve or brain damage but do not inherently denote confusion or impaired cognition without more specified context. Spinal shock refers to a temporary condition following spinal cord injury, influencing motor and sensory function but does not explicitly address cognitive states like confusion or slowed thinking. Thus, "altered mental status" is the most appropriate description for the symptoms listed.