General

Question 1

What does AEIOU TIPS stand for in the differential diagnosis for altered mental status?

Answer 1

Alcohol, Acidosis, Encephalopathy, Electrolytes, Infection, Opioids, Overdose, Uremia

These are common causes to consider.

Question 2

What are some additional causes of altered mental status beyond AEIOU TIPS?

Answer 2

Trauma, Insulin (hypo or hyperglycemia), Psychosis, Seizure, Stroke

These factors should also be evaluated.

Question 3

Difference between Fever & Hyperthermia?

Answer 3

FEVER = controlled physiologic increase in body temp that occurs when the hypothalamic temp set point is in increased in response to pyrogens

HYPERTHERMIA = pathophysiologic increase in body temp that occurs when physiologic thermoregulatory mechanisms fail