What category do anoxia, hypoglycemia, and carbon monoxide poisoning fall under for causes of altered mental status?

Anoxia, hypoglycemia, and carbon monoxide poisoning are classified as toxic-metabolic causes of altered mental status because they affect the body’s metabolism and the function of the brain.

Anoxia refers to a deficiency of oxygen reaching the tissues, which can lead to cerebral hypoxia and result in altered cognition, confusion, or loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar, which deprives the brain of its primary energy source, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness. Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide is inhaled, leading to reduced oxygen transport in the blood and subsequent neurological impairment. All these conditions disrupt normal metabolic processes and can significantly alter mental status due to impaired brain function.

By understanding these mechanisms, it's clear why they are grouped under toxic-metabolic causes, emphasizing the influence that chemical and metabolic imbalances can have on mental state and cognitive function.