What is the appropriate action when a patient has a sudden change in mental status?

When a patient experiences a sudden change in mental status, immediate assessment and notification of the healthcare provider is crucial. This approach is appropriate because a sudden alteration in mental status can indicate serious underlying conditions such as stroke, infection, hypoxia, or metabolic imbalances that require prompt intervention. Performing an assessment allows the nurse to gather vital information about the patient's condition, which can include checking vital signs, assessing responsiveness, and evaluating neurological status. Notifying the healthcare provider ensures that further evaluation and treatment can be initiated without delay, potentially improving patient outcomes.

The other options, while they may seem appropriate in less urgent situations, do not address the critical nature of a sudden change in mental status. Reassuring the patient and checking vital signs might provide comfort but does not sufficiently address the need for immediate and thorough evaluation. Documenting the change and monitoring could lead to delays in treatment, which is not advisable in the presence of acute changes that might signal life-threatening conditions. Waiting to see if it resolves can allow serious issues to escalate, putting the patient at greater risk. Thus, the correct course of action is always to conduct a thorough assessment and communicate with the healthcare provider without delay.