15th February 2025

A 85-year-old lady has recently had a hemiarthroplasty following a hip fracture.

A 85-year-old lady has recently had a hemiarthroplasty following a hip fracture. While recovering from her surgery she becomes increasingly withdrawn. She seems reluctant to speak to you, instead staring at the wall, and although you find it difficult to hear her she seems to be talking about seeing children on the ward when none are present. When you go back to see her the following day for the morning ward round, she seems much more alert, although by that evening, she deteriorates again. Her NEWS score remains 0 throughout. What is the most likely diagnosis?

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.