An older adult female patient presents in the emergency department (ED) with a fever and newly developed incontinence. The patient denies pain on urination but states, "I feel like I have to go more often and I don't always make it to the toilet on time." Based on this data, which nursing action is the priority for this patient?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Assessing for flank pain is a priority as it can indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI) or pyelonephritis, especially in older adults who may not present with typical symptoms. Fever and incontinence, along with urgency, are signs that could point towards a UTI, making the assessment for flank pain crucial for identifying the source of infection and guiding appropriate treatment.

An Older Adult Female Patient Presents in the Emergency Department