What should a nurse do if a patient shows signs of confusion and disorientation?

When a patient presents with signs of confusion and disorientation, the priority is to reassure and keep them calm while further assessment is conducted. This approach establishes a safe environment, which is essential in managing any immediate anxiety the patient may be experiencing. Taking the time to assess the patient's condition allows the nurse to gather important information about the onset and duration of the confusion, potential underlying causes such as infections, metabolic imbalances, or medication side effects, and to evaluate for any changes in vital signs or other clinical indicators.

Reassurance is a key therapeutic tactic that can help reduce the patient's stress, which may exacerbate their confusion. Keeping them calm allows for a more accurate assessment, as anxiety can complicate evaluation and lead to misunderstandings about the patient's cognitive status.

The other options, while they may seem relevant, do not prioritize the immediate assessment and management of the patient’s current state. Calling for a psychiatrist may not be necessary at this initial stage; rather, the nurse should first identify the underlying cause of the symptoms. Ignoring symptoms as normal aging dismisses potential serious medical issues that could be contributing to the patient’s disorientation. Providing stimulants is not appropriate without first determining the cause of the confusion, as it could further complicate the