An older resident who was clear yesterday is suddenly confused, restless, and has a temperature of 100.9 degrees F. What is the priority action?

• A.Report the sudden confusion and fever to the nurse right away
• B.Tell visitors she is just having a bad day today
• C.Move her to a dark room and leave her alone
• D.Wait for the confusion to pass before reporting

Why

Sudden confusion in an older adult, especially with fever at or above 100.4 degrees F orally, can signal infection or another acute problem. It requires prompt nurse assessment, not waiting.

Content outline: Basic Nursing Skills - Observing and Reporting Changes · From the Basic Nursing Skills practice bank (BN-069).

Practice this domain as a full test

More Observing & Reporting Changes in Condition questions

• A normally alert resident is suddenly hard to wake and answers questions with confusion. What should the assistant do?
• During morning care the assistant notices a new reddened area over a resident's heel and a small blister forming. What is the correct action?
• Which entry is an example of objective information?
• Which entry is an example of subjective information?
• A resident is breathing with effort, using shoulder muscles, and says, 'I can't catch my breath.' What should the assistant do?