Nursing Acceleration Challenge Exam (NACE) PN-RN Practice Test

What should be done if a patient is observed exhibiting signs of confusion?

1. Reassure the patient with calming words

2. Question the patient about their confusion

3. Inform the physician immediately

4. Conduct a mental status examination

The correct answer is: Inform the physician immediately

The most appropriate action when a patient exhibits signs of confusion is to conduct a mental status examination. This examination is a critical assessment tool used to evaluate a patient's cognitive function, orientation, attention, memory, and overall mental health status. Through this process, the healthcare provider can gather valuable information that can help determine the cause of the confusion, assess severity, and guide potential interventions. Recognizing that confusion could stem from various underlying medical conditions, ranging from infections to metabolic disturbances, a thorough mental status examination can facilitate timely identification of serious concerns that may require immediate medical intervention, including notifying the physician. While reassurance with calming words may help alleviate anxiety, it does not address the underlying issue or provide a clear understanding of the patient's condition. Questioning the patient about their confusion could potentially lead to further disorientation or frustration, especially if the patient is significantly confused and cannot provide accurate information. Informing the physician is certainly important, but prior to this step, conducting a mental status examination is essential for a full evaluation and to gather necessary details for effective communication with the physician.