A nurse is caring for an older patient in the intensive care unit. The patient has a sudden onset of confusion. What action by the nurse is best?
a. Request a sedative from the provider.
b. Attempt to reorient the patient.
c. Perform a sepsis screening.
d. Review lab work for today.
C
The most common presenting sign of sepsis in the older adult is confusion. The nurse assesses the patient for this condition. Sedatives and restraints are a last resort. The nurse should attempt to reorient the patient, but this is not the most important action. The nurse should also review lab work, but current assessments are more important.
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