Which condition should a nurse suspect in an older adult client who has recently become confused and agitated?

In older adults, a sudden change in mental status, such as confusion and agitation, is often indicative of an underlying medical condition that may be acute rather than chronic. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common cause of altered mental status in this population.

Older adults may present atypically with infections, where instead of the typical symptoms (such as fever or dysuria), they may exhibit sudden confusion, agitation, or even changes in behavior. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "delirium," which can occur as a result of infectious processes like a UTI.

When a UTI is present, the body's response to infection can lead to inflammation and systemic effects that impact cognition, making it critical for healthcare providers to consider this diagnosis in older patients exhibiting these symptoms. Identifying and treating a UTI can often lead to a rapid improvement in mental status, highlighting the importance of recognizing this condition promptly.

Although other conditions such as stroke, Alzheimer's disease, and dementia can also affect cognition, they typically present with more gradual changes rather than a sudden onset of confusion and agitation. In contrast, a UTI is often more immediately reversible with appropriate treatment.