Lung Consolidation, Tired and Confused (448/1700)

A 76yo woman has become tired and confused following an influenza like illness. She is also
breathless with signs of consolidation of the left lung base. What is the most likely dx?
a. Drug toxicity
b. Delirium tremens
c. Infection toxicity
d. Hypoglycemia
e. Electrolyte imbalance






























Answer:C

N.b this is not the same as Toxic Shock Syndrome which is a multi systemic disturbance with fever, shock, N&V, rash, multiple organ failure. Here, Infection Toxicity simply means she has long standing untreated pneumonia causing her symptoms of being tired, confused and breathless.


Drug toxicity - no drug history
Delirium tremens - alcohol withdrawal
Electrolyte disturbance- would most likely cause full blown delirium in this age, so pt would have disoriention, speech disturbance, fear
Hypoglycemia- could occur in an over 75 without DM due to infection but would likely have other pre-existing comorbidities