Delirium: RCSI aptitude test practice questions

Sample questions from this topic

1. Question 1

   What four questions make up the AMT4 within the 4AT?

   1. AName, address, date, prime minister
   2. BTime, day, month, season
   3. CAge, date of birth, place, current year
   4. DName of hospital, ward, doctor, nurse
   Show answer

   Answer: C. The AMT4: age, date of birth, place (name of hospital or building) and current year. No mistakes scores 0, one mistake scores 1, two or more mistakes or untestable scores 2.

   Source: The 4AT screening instrument (IAEM Appendix 2)

2. Question 2

   For item 4 of the 4AT, over what period is an acute change or fluctuation in mental function considered?

   1. AOver the last 72 hours according to the nursing notes and the night staff
   2. BSince the onset of the current admission only
   3. COver the last 6 months compared with the previous year, as reported by family
   4. DOver the last 2 weeks and still evident in the last 24 hours
   Show answer

   Answer: D. Item 4 asks for evidence of significant change or fluctuation in alertness, cognition or other mental function (for example paranoia, hallucinations) arising over the last 2 weeks and still evident in the last 24 hours. Yes scores 4. Acute onset is what distinguishes delirium from dementia.

   Source: The 4AT screening instrument (IAEM Appendix 2)

3. Question 3

   Which risk factors does NICE say put a person at risk of delirium on presentation to hospital?

   1. AHearing aid use and previous falls
   2. BAge 65 or over, cognitive impairment, hip fracture, severe illness
   3. CAge under 40 with recent foreign travel and a high temperature
   4. DFemale sex, living alone, smoking, hypertension and a low income
   Show answer

   Answer: B. NICE CG103: on presentation to hospital or long-term care, assess for delirium risk factors: age 65 or older, cognitive impairment (past or present) or dementia, current hip fracture, and severe illness.

   Source: NICE CG103 Delirium (updated 2023), 1.2.1

The practice above shuffles the options each time and keeps your score. 30 more free questions across the paper, with a PDF.

Documents behind these questions

Every fact was checked against the public document named on the answer. This topic draws on:

• The 4AT screening instrument (IAEM Appendix 2)
• NICE CG103 Delirium (updated 2023), 1.2.1