In the context of an emergency, what does 'altered mental status' refer to?

Altered mental status indicates that a person's cognitive function has been disrupted, making it difficult for them to think clearly or respond appropriately to their environment. This can manifest in a variety of ways, including confusion, disorientation, difficulty in concentrating, or an inability to communicate effectively. Such changes can arise from numerous causes, such as medical conditions, intoxication, trauma, or metabolic imbalances.

In an emergency context, recognizing altered mental status is crucial as it often signals that there is an underlying critical issue requiring immediate medical evaluation. By identifying this alteration in cognitive function, EMTs can prioritize care and seek further information about the patient's medical history or recent activities to assist in diagnosis and treatment planning.