Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic Certification Practice Exam

Which of the following describes a common symptom of delirium tremens?

1. Severe headache

2. High fever and severe confusion

3. Vision impairment

4. Increased weight

The correct answer is: High fever and severe confusion

Delirium tremens is a severe form of alcohol withdrawal that can occur in individuals who have been heavily drinking for an extended period and suddenly stop or significantly reduce their intake. Among the symptoms of delirium tremens, high fever and severe confusion are particularly noteworthy. These symptoms reflect the acute state of mental status changes and physical health crises associated with withdrawal. High fever is indicative of the autonomic instability that often accompanies delirium tremens, as the body attempts to regain homeostasis after abrupt cessation of alcohol. Severe confusion, or altered mental status, is a hallmark of delirium and highlights the cognitive impairments that occur during this condition. This combination of symptoms can lead to significant disorientation and agitation, which are critical for medical personnel to recognize in order to provide appropriate treatment. Other options, while potentially related to various medical conditions, do not specifically align with the classical presentation of delirium tremens. For example, a severe headache might occur from withdrawal but is not characteristic of the delirium associated with this condition. Vision impairment is not a common symptom in delirium tremens, and increased weight generally would not be a symptom seen in this acute state; rather, it could be associated with other medical or psychological issues.