Nokea
An 81-year-old patient who has been in the intensive care unit (ICU) for a week is now stable, and transfer to the progressive care unit is planned. On rounds, the nurse notices that the patient has new onset confusion. The nurse will plan to:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Notify the health care provider and postpone the transfer. The new onset confusion in an elderly patient in the ICU can be a sign of delirium, which is a serious condition that requires prompt evaluation and management. By notifying the healthcare provider, they can assess the patient's condition, order appropriate tests, and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Postponing the transfer allows for further observation and intervention to address the underlying cause of the confusion.
Choice A (Give PRN lorazepam and cancel the transfer) is incorrect because administering lorazepam may worsen the confusion in an elderly patient and should not be done without proper evaluation.
Choice B (Inform the receiving nurse and then transfer the patient) is incorrect because transferring the patient without addressing the new onset confusion can lead to potential complications and delay in appropriate management.
Choice D (Obtain an order for restraints as needed and transfer the patient) is incorrect because using restraints should only be considered as a