Question

the nurse is caring for an elderly patient whose dementia has become worse over the last 24 hours. the nurse suspects that the patient may have developed a urinary tract infection and obtains a urine sample. which assessment finding prompt the nurse to contact the provide to obtain an order for urine culture an sensitivity testing? (Select all that apply)

Answer 1

The nurse should contact the provider for urine culture and sensitivity testing if the elderly patient with worsening dementia exhibits fever and dysuria.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should contact the provider to obtain an order for urine culture and sensitivity testing based on the following assessment findings:

• Worsening dementia: The decline in mental function in an elderly patient can be a sign of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in this population.
• Fever: A sudden onset of fever can indicate an infection, including a UTI.
• Dysuria: Pain or discomfort during urination is a common symptom of a UTI.

Obtaining a urine sample for culture and sensitivity testing is important to confirm the presence of infection and identify the causative agent, guiding appropriate antibiotic treatment.