Evolve HESI Practice Exam

What is a priority concern for nurses caring for clients with confusion?

1. Ensure the patient is medicated properly

2. Minimize environmental changes

3. Promote physical activity

4. Encourage social interactions

The correct answer is: Minimize environmental changes

The priority concern when caring for clients with confusion is to minimize environmental changes. Clients experiencing confusion are often disoriented and have difficulty processing information, which can be exacerbated by sudden variations in their surroundings. A stable, familiar environment helps to reduce anxiety and further confusion, which can lead to a sense of safety and security for the patient. This is essential in enhancing their ability to orient themselves and sometimes even improving their cognitive function over time. Fostering a consistent environment allows caregivers to establish routines, making it easier for confused clients to comprehend and predict what will happen next, thereby facilitating better engagement and cooperation with care plans. In contrast, frequent modifications in the environment can provoke distress and worsen their condition.