What is the purpose of the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) in clinical practice?

• A. It is used to detect delirium at the bedside by assessing acute onset, inattention, and fluctuating course, with features including disorganized thinking or altered consciousness.
• B. It is used to diagnose dementia.
• C. It measures mood symptoms.
• D. It is used to assess nutritional status.

Answer: (C)

CAM is a bedside tool used to detect delirium quickly in clinical settings. It guides clinicians to look for an acute change in mental status or a fluctuating course, inattention, and, in addition, either disorganized thinking or an altered level of consciousness. When these features are present together, delirium is identified, prompting timely evaluation and management of reversible triggers such as infections, medications, dehydration, or metabolic disturbances. This tool helps distinguish delirium from chronic cognitive impairment like dementia and from mood or nutritional issues, which are assessed with other approaches. Using CAM supports prompt intervention to improve safety and outcomes for patients at risk of delirium.