Question

The nurse is caring for an older-adult patient with a diagnosis of urinary tract infection (UTI). Upon assessment the nurse finds the patient confused and agitated. How will the nurse interpret these assessment findings?

a.These are normal signs of aging.
b.These are early signs of dementia.
c.These are purely psychological in origin.
d.These are common manifestation with UTIs.

Answer 1

The nurse will interpret these assessment findings as common manifestations of UTIs in older adults.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse will interpret these assessment findings as d. These are common manifestations with UTIs.

Confusion and agitation in an older adult patient with a urinary tract infection (UTI) are common symptoms. When bacteria from the lower gastrointestinal tract are introduced to the urinary tract, they cause UTIs. In elderly patients, UTIs are often accompanied by a decline in mental function.

Thus, the nurse should recognize that these assessment findings are consistent with the diagnosis of a UTI.