When assessing a man with altered mental status, which finding is most indicative?

When assessing a man with altered mental status, the finding that is most indicative is slurred speech. This symptom can signal a variety of underlying issues, such as intoxication, neurological events, or other medical emergencies. Slurred speech suggests that there may be dysfunction in the areas of the brain responsible for motor control and coordination of speech, which can occur due to alcohol use, stroke, or other conditions affecting brain function.

In contrast, the odor of alcohol may be present but does not solely determine the cause of altered mental status, as it could indicate substance use without clarifying the extent or implications of the impairment. Closed eyes could suggest a range of issues but are not specific to altered mental status, and a tired appearance might reflect fatigue or other non-specific conditions rather than a direct neurological concern. Slurred speech provides a direct and observable indicator of potential impairment in cognitive function, making it the most telling sign in this context.