An older adult patient who reports difficulty breathing and a productive cough and has a low-grade fever is admitted to the hospital for diagnosis and treatment. Intervention for which of the following new-onset symptoms should take priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Confusion in an older adult patient, especially with the symptoms described, could indicate a significant decline in oxygenation or the onset of sepsis, both of which require immediate attention. Crackles, blood-tinged sputum, and fatigue are concerning but are expected findings given the patient's presenting symptoms and do not necessarily indicate an acute change in status requiring immediate intervention like confusion does.

An Older Adult Patient Who Reports Difficulty Breathing and a Productive