The nurse is caring for an elderly patient with the diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). The patient is confused and agitated. It is important for the nurse to realize that confusion in the elderly is
a. Not a normal expectation.
b. Purely psychological in origin.
c. Not a common manifestation with UTIs.
d. Acceptable and needs no further assessment.
A
Acute confusion in older adults is not normal; a thorough nursing assessment is the priority.
Abrupt changes in personality often have a physiological cause such as surgery, a medication reaction, a pulmonary embolus, or an acute infection. For example, the primary symptom of compromised older patients with an acute urinary tract infection or fever is confusion. Identifying confusion is an important component of the nurse's assessment.
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