Final answer:
The nurse would expect to assess the older adult patient for a urinary tract infection (UTI) who presents with new onset confusion.
Step-by-step explanation:
The nurse would expect to assess for a urinary tract infection (UTI) in an older adult patient who presents with new onset confusion. UTIs in elderly patients are often accompanied by a notable decline in mental function. In addition to confusion, other common signs of a UTI include fever and dysuria.