The primary caregiver of an older adult client calls the nurse at the outpatient clinic due to a sudden onset of changes in the client's behavior. The caregiver reports to the nurse that the client normally is oriented and able to answer questions but now is confused and agitated. What action(s) should the nurse take? Select all that apply.
Explanation & Rationale
A. Ask if the client is experiencing any pain with urination. Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in older adults and can lead to sudden changes in behavior, including confusion and agitation. B. Determine if the client has recently experienced a fall. Falls can lead to head injuries or other trauma that may cause confusion or changes in behavior in older adults. C. Provide instruction on taking the client's temperature. Fever can be a sign of infection, which might be causing the sudden behavioral changes. Monitoring temperature can help identify if an infection is present. D. Encourage increased intake of high protein foods. While good nutrition is important, it is not directly related to the sudden onset of confusion and agitation, making this a less immediate priority. E. Review the client's current food and medication allergies. Allergic reactions to foods or medications can cause sudden behavioral changes. Reviewing allergies can help determine if this is the cause of the symptoms.