Which of the following symptoms is an early clue to impending delirium tremens?

The presence of agitation and decreased cognition is an early clue to impending delirium tremens. In the context of alcohol withdrawal, symptoms typically begin to appear several hours after the last drink and can progress rapidly. Agitation is often one of the first signs, as individuals may become increasingly restless and irritable due to their physiological and psychological craving for alcohol.

Decreased cognition, which can manifest as confusion or difficulty concentrating, indicates that the central nervous system is affected due to the absence of alcohol, which the body has become dependent on for proper functioning. These symptoms are important to recognize early, as they can serve as indicators that the person may be headed towards a more severe withdrawal syndrome, such as delirium tremens.

Additionally, while visual hallucinations and diaphoresis, mental confusion and sensory hyperacuity, and autonomic hyperactivity and dehydration can also be associated with alcohol withdrawal, they tend to occur at a later stage of the withdrawal process. Early symptoms, such as agitation and cognitive impairment, are critical for timely intervention and management.