An elderly woman is brought to the clinic by her daughter. The client states that she has had a cold for several days. Her daughter states that her mother has been confused about when her routine medications are to be taken and that her mother has never experienced confusion about her medications before. Based on this information, it is important that the nurse ask the client whether:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: She has taken any over-the-counter medications for her cold. It is important for the nurse to ask this question because over-the-counter medications can sometimes interact with prescription medications, leading to confusion or other cognitive issues in elderly patients. By identifying any OTC medications the client has taken, the nurse can assess potential drug interactions that may be contributing to the confusion.
Choices A, B, and C are incorrect. History of mental illness in the family or a previous diagnosis of mental health disorder may not directly address the current issue of confusion related to medication management. Asking about the last visit to a physician is also less relevant compared to inquiring about current medication use for a potential cause of confusion.