A hospitalized older adult with alcohol use disorder develops delirium. Given the client's condition, which factor is most likely contributing to delirium in this client?

Rationale: A. While baseline functional impairment increases overall vulnerability to delirium, it is a predisposing factor, not an immediate precipitating cause. It alone does not trigger acute delirium. B. Sedatives can contribute to delirium, particularly in older adults, but in this scenario, the primary acute trigger is more specific to the client’s history of alcohol use. Sedatives may worsen or prolong delirium but are not the central cause. C. Alcohol withdrawal is a common and potent precipitating factor for delirium in patients with alcohol use disorder. Abrupt cessation of alcohol in dependent individuals leads to CNS hyperactivity, autonomic instability, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and tremors. In older adults, alcohol withdrawal can rapidly progress to delirium tremens, a life-threatening condition. This makes alcohol withdrawal the most likely contributing factor in this scenario. D. Immobility can contribute to delirium by increasing sensory deprivation or risk of complications, but it is a secondary factor. Acute delirium in this client is more directly linked to physiological stress from alcohol withdrawal.