Medical Surgical ATI Proctored Exam Related

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During an assessment in the emergency department, an older adult client with community-acquired pneumonia is found to be confused. Which of the following findings should the nurse expect?

  • A. Unequal pupils
  • B. Hypertension
  • C. Tympany upon chest percussion
  • D. Confusion
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: Confusion. Confusion in an older adult with community-acquired pneumonia can indicate hypoxia or sepsis affecting the brain. It is a common manifestation in elderly patients with pneumonia due to impaired gas exchange and systemic inflammatory response. Unequal pupils do not typically relate to pneumonia. Hypertension is not a common finding in pneumonia; hypotension is more likely. Tympany upon chest percussion is associated with conditions like pneumothorax, not pneumonia. Therefore, confusion is the most relevant finding in this scenario.