What if the ACOCs cause can be readily identified?
If a plausible cause of an ACOC cannot be readily identified, consider whether the patient may be suffering from fluid/electrolyte imbalance or acute infection. Also review the patient’s medication regimen for potential adverse drug reactions (ADRs). Medications are commonly implicated in ACOCs. In particular, recurrent falling, changes in mental status and behavior, and anorexia or weight loss are frequently caused by an ADR. Often, the interaction of several medications may result in an ADR. • Why is it important to document treatment goals and objectives? Documentation of treatment goals and objectives is important because treatments may not succeed, the patient’s condition may worsen, unexpected complications may occur, the diagnosis may change, or the patient may never fully regain his or her previous level of health or function despite resolution of the ACOC. Knowing the patient’s wishes whether these are expressed directly by the patient himself or herself or on the patient’s be
