Question

Which statement made by the nurse would be most appropriate to an 89-year-old patient who is confused but has no history of dementia, and is hospitalized for an acute urinary tract infection?

a) This confusion is normal at your age.
b) You might be developing dementia.
c) It's likely due to the infection; it should improve.
d) You're just tired; it will pass.

Answer 1

The most appropriate statement for an 89-year-old patient with confusion and acute UTI, but no dementia history, is explaining that the confusion is likely due to the infection and should improve with treatment.

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement that would be most appropriate to an 89-year-old patient who is confused but has no history of dementia and is hospitalized for an acute urinary tract infection (UTI) is c) It's likely due to the infection; it should improve. This choice acknowledges that the confusion could be a symptom of the UTI without causing unnecessary alarm about aging or dementia.

Confusion in elderly patients can be a common sign of a UTI, and elderly individuals may experience a notable decline in mental function as a result of an infection, especially if there is no prior history of dementia. UTIs are known to cause delirium and cognitive impairment in older adults, which usually resolves with the treatment of the infection.