What should be included in the focused history for patients with altered mental status?

In cases of altered mental status, including fever in the focused history is critical as it can indicate an underlying infection or other systemic issues that might affect brain function. Fever may suggest conditions such as sepsis, meningitis, or encephalitis, all of which could contribute to a change in mental status. It is essential to identify any signs of systemic infection early in the assessment process, which can guide treatment and further diagnostic measures.

While factors like heart disease, pregnancy, and stress can also play a role in overall patient health and may contribute to altered mental status, they do not have the same immediate association with infections or acute illnesses that fever does. Therefore, fever stands out as a key piece of information that warrants closer examination in the context of altered mental status.