🏥 USMLE Exam Prep

A 78-year-old male develops acute confusion, disorientation, and fluctuating levels of consciousness on post-operative day 2 following hip replacement surgery. He is agitated and pulling at his IV lines. What is the most appropriate initial management strategy?

A Administer haloperidol intravenously to control agitation
B Order a head CT to rule out stroke
C Review all medications for potential contributing factors and address reversible causes
D Restrain the patient to prevent self-harm

✓ Correct Answer: Option C

The most appropriate initial management for post-operative delirium involves identifying and treating underlying reversible causes. This includes reviewing medications (e.g., anticholinergics, opioids), assessing for infection, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, hypoxia, and pain.

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