Altered mental status is when there is an acute change in a patient's cognition or level of consciousness (arousal).
Altered mental status may include:
1. **Confusion**: Disorientation regarding time, place, or person.
2. **Delirium**: Acute onset of confusion, often with fluctuating levels of consciousness and sometimes hallucinations or agitation.
3. **Lethargy**: Reduced level of alertness, drowsiness, or decreased responsiveness to stimuli.
4. **Stupor**: A state of near-unconsciousness where the person is unresponsive but can be aroused by strong stimuli.
5. **Coma**: A deep state of unconsciousness where the person cannot be awakened and does not respond to stimuli.