A change from a person's normal mental state is termed what?

Altered mental status refers to any change in a person's normal cognitive functioning. This can encompass a wide range of conditions, from mild confusion to severe states such as coma. When a person exhibits altered mental status, it may be due to various medical issues, including trauma, infection, metabolic disorders, or substance use.

This term is broad and can help EMTs and medical professionals classify and recognize significant changes in a patient's mental state as they work to diagnose and treat critical conditions. Specific terms like confusion, delirium, and coma describe more defined states of altered mental status but do not encompass the entire spectrum of changes that a patient might experience. Therefore, the term "altered mental status" is the most accurate and inclusive terminology for any deviation from a person's baseline mental function.