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Quiz about Out of My Head Disturbed Consciousness

Out of My Head: Disturbed Consciousness Quiz

Can the brain be healthier than its body? Let's look at delirium and the range of conditions that cause it.

A multiple-choice quiz by ragiel. Estimated time: 5 mins.

Author
ragiel

Time
5 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
150,188

Updated
Dec 03 21

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Tough

Avg Score
5 / 10

Plays
1619

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

Question 1 of 10

1. When I have a high fever, it's sometimes really hard to think. Sometimes I don't even remember saying something although my roommate swears I did! Does this mean my brain is permanently damaged by fever?

Yes

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Question 2 of 10

2. I've noticed I seem to start dreaming even before I fall asleep. Could this be a sign of serious trouble?

Yes

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Question 3 of 10

3. My mother started talking to "little people" she saw in her bedroom. I thought she had Alzheimer's, but her doctor did a blood test and adjusted her heart medicine! It worked, but what was most likely to have caused her problem? Hint

She was probably taking digoxin, which is related to the deadly poison foxglove.

She was probably dehydrated from diuretics.

She was probably taking a blood pressure pill which reduced blood flow to her brain.

She was probably taking reserpine which can cause psychiatric symptoms, including hallucinations and depression.

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Question 4 of 10

4. When I was in the hospital after surgery, I had horrible dreams that made me wake up screaming! What was happening? Hint

Most likely a response to the physical trauma of surgery.

Most likely a side effect of pain medication.

Most likely caused by worry and stress about the disease.

Most likely an early sign of schizophrenia.

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Question 5 of 10

5. After a long, hard weekend of celebrating, I sometimes see moving bugs on the walls! My buddies told me I should sleep it off and cut back on the sauce for a few days. Did they give me good advice?

Yes

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Question 6 of 10

6. "ICU psychosis" is believed to be the result of higher levels of oxygen than the brain is exposed to while breathing room air.

Yes

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Question 7 of 10

7. Grandpa told me he often sees things even though he knows they're not there! Which of these exams might help explain his problem? Hint

vision

short-term memory

hearing

cardiac conduction

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Question 8 of 10

8. My surgical patient was agitated and delirious. I identified the reason and started to treat it, but I was worried he might get hurt before the problem cleared. So I called in a psychiatric consult. What type of medication did the psychiatrist recommend? Hint

sleeping pills

none; she made an appointment for dynamic psychotherapy when he felt better.

antidepressants

antipsychotics

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Question 9 of 10

9. I smoked a little weed last night, not an unusual amount, and I got incredibly paranoid! I had to curl up and hold my lips shut because I could feel my teeth falling out of my gums! My brother says weed can't do that, and I must have gotten some that was "dusted." Is he right?

Yes

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Question 10 of 10

10. My grandmother has diabetes, and I've noticed she sometimes gets confused and out of it. Should I give her more insulin when this happens?

Yes

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Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

Answer: No

No, not uness the fever is from encephalitis or some other problem in the central nervous system. Still, taking an aspirin or Tylenol to reduce the fever will probably make your thinking sharper. If not, or if you get more confused, your roommate should call 911 and have an ambulance take you to the hospital.

2. I've noticed I seem to start dreaming even before I fall asleep. Could this be a sign of serious trouble?

Answer: Yes

This is called a hypnogogic hallucination, and sometimes is a sign of narcolepsy or other sleep disorder. It really should be evaluated by an expert. Fortunately, in most cases the cause is fatigue, prolonged sleeplessness, stress, or medication side effects.

Answer: She was probably taking digoxin, which is related to the deadly poison foxglove.

Digoxin has strong effects on the heart, and the amount needed to normalize heartbeat is also very close to the amount that can cause hallucinations or death. Blood testing to determine the level is important in determining the proper dose.

4. When I was in the hospital after surgery, I had horrible dreams that made me wake up screaming! What was happening?

Answer: Most likely a side effect of pain medication.

Any of the strong pain killers can cause this, so it's often noticed right after surgery or right after a medication change, such as injectable to oral. Treatment is to switch to another drug, because this tends to be a specific individual response. All pain drugs tend to have other associated problems, such as sedation or poor judgment, so the surgeon will want to taper and stop them as soon as tolerated.

Answer: No

No! Hallucinations associated with alcohol withdrawal are a sign of dangerous hyperactivity in the brain and autonomic nervous system as they try to recover from the alcohol. Other associated symptoms include severe anxiety, paranoia, elevated blood pressure and heart rate, fever, convulsions and death! A person who starts experiencing any of these needs to be taken to the emergency room at once for proper treatment.

6. "ICU psychosis" is believed to be the result of higher levels of oxygen than the brain is exposed to while breathing room air.

Answer: No

It's usually attributed to continuous light and sound, with no light/dark cycling.

7. Grandpa told me he often sees things even though he knows they're not there! Which of these exams might help explain his problem?

Answer: vision

As vision is lost, the brain seems to "fill in" the empty areas with familiar images! It doesn't mean the person is getting Alzheimer's or going crazy. Depending on general health, any or all of the examinations may be appropriate.

Answer: antipsychotics

Antipsychotics have calming, normalizing effects on the brain regardless of the cause for the disturbance. These are typically given for a short time; long enough to allow the patient to relax, rest, and get well.

Answer: No

He's wrong if he thinks weed all by itself can never cause acute paranoia; many smokers never get this, but it certainly can happen. He's correct about adulterated drugs, though. PCP, crack cocaine, and heroin have been found in "special" batches.

10. My grandmother has diabetes, and I've noticed she sometimes gets confused and out of it. Should I give her more insulin when this happens?

Answer: No

Not until you've checked her blood sugar! Both high and low sugars can cause confusion. If it's really high (more than 400) she may need intravenous fluids as well as insulin. Either condition can be life threatening.

Source: Author ragiel

This quiz was reviewed by FunTrivia editor crisw before going online.
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