A nurse is caring for an older adult client with a history of recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in a long-term care facility. The client is nonverbal and unable to communicate discomfort or changes in urinary habits. During a routine assessment, the nurse notes increased confusion, fever, and foul-smelling urine in the client. What should be the nurse's immediate action?

A. Perform a bladder scan to check for urinary retention: While urinary retention may be a concern, the client's symptoms (confusion, fever, foul-smelling urine) indicate a possible UTI, which should be addressed first. B. Start the client on an increased fluid intake regimen: While fluid intake is important, the client needs immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat a possible infection. C. Notify the healthcare provider immediately to order a urine culture and initiate antibiotic treatment: Correct. The client's symptoms suggest a urinary tract infection, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment with antibiotics. D. Administer acetaminophen to reduce the fever: While fever management is important, it does not address the underlying cause of the symptoms, which is likely a UTI.