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?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Sudden onset of confusion in an older patient in the ICU can be an indication of sepsis. Therefore, the nurse should perform a sepsis screening immediately to identify the cause of the patient's confusion. Sedatives may worsen the patient's condition and should not be given until the underlying cause is identified. Reorienting the patient is a good intervention but would not be the priority at this time. Reviewing lab work can also help to identify the cause but sepsis screening is more urgent.

A Nurse Is Caring for an Older Patient in the Intensive