Geriatrics
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As the number of elderly patients undergoing surgery increases, postoperative confusion becomes an increasingly encountered problem. Postoperative confusion has long been recognized as a specific entity, but the etiology and risk factors have not been well defined. To make the diagnosis promptly, the physician must maintain a high index of suspicion. This review provides a series of brief mental status tests that can be administered quickly at the bedside and outlines a specific approach to treatment.