Confusion laboratory findings: Difference between revisions
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== Laboratory Findings == | == Laboratory Findings == | ||
* A large number of tests are needed in | * A large number of tests are needed in patients that present with confusion. Most of the tests are to determine the cause of confusion. A careful history can reduce the burden of unnecessary tests. | ||
* | * Routine blood tests include a [[CBC]] to assess the general condition of the patient. | ||
* Serum creatinine, glucose, calcium, | * Serum [[creatinine]], [[glucose]], [[calcium]], [[electrolyte]]s. | ||
* Blood for toxins and drugs. | * Blood for toxins and drugs. | ||
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* Blood culture if infectious cause has to be evaluated. | * Blood culture if infectious cause has to be evaluated. | ||
* Blood gas analysis if any metabolic derangements are suspected. | * [[Blood gas]] analysis if any metabolic derangements are suspected. | ||
* Vitamin assays and cholesterol levels may indicate nutritional status. | * Vitamin assays and cholesterol levels may indicate nutritional status. | ||
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* Assessments of hormone levels may be useful especially thyroid. | * Assessments of hormone levels may be useful especially thyroid. | ||
* In cases of brain infections lumbar puncture is done and cerebrospinal fluid is evaluated. | * In cases of brain infections lumbar puncture is done and [[cerebrospinal fluid]] is evaluated. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 16:06, 8 February 2013
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] ; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Aditya Govindavarjhulla, M.B.B.S. [2]
Overview
Several laboratory tests are available for evaluating confusion. It is a physician's role to choose the most useful test based upon the history of the person. For example, a patient presenting with confusion, severe neck stiffness, headaches, and fever should be evaluated for infective foci.
Laboratory Findings
- A large number of tests are needed in patients that present with confusion. Most of the tests are to determine the cause of confusion. A careful history can reduce the burden of unnecessary tests.
- Routine blood tests include a CBC to assess the general condition of the patient.
- Serum creatinine, glucose, calcium, electrolytes.
- Blood for toxins and drugs.
- Urine analysis and culture.
- Blood culture if infectious cause has to be evaluated.
- Blood gas analysis if any metabolic derangements are suspected.
- Vitamin assays and cholesterol levels may indicate nutritional status.
- Renal function tests and liver function tests are useful if they are the cause of confusion.
- Assessments of hormone levels may be useful especially thyroid.
- In cases of brain infections lumbar puncture is done and cerebrospinal fluid is evaluated.