What symptom can indicate a urinary tract infection in a client?

The presence of confusion or an increase in urinary urgency and frequency is a strong indicator of a urinary tract infection (UTI) in a client. UTIs often cause changes in urinary habits, including a frequent urge to urinate and a feeling of urgency even when the bladder isn’t full.

Additionally, confusion can be particularly significant in elderly patients, as cognitive changes can manifest with infections. This can sometimes be one of the first noticeable symptoms, especially in those who may not display more typical signs such as fever or pain during urination. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial for prompt diagnosis and treatment, as untreated UTIs can lead to more serious complications.

Other symptoms listed, such as loss of appetite and increased fatigue, sudden weight loss and excessive thirst, or persistent headaches and dizziness, are not specifically associated with UTIs, which helps to clarify why the first option is the most appropriate answer in this context. These other symptoms could indicate various other health issues but do not directly point to a urinary tract infection as clearly as the identified symptoms do.