A 20-year-old construction worker has been brought into the emergency department with heat stroke. He has delirium as a result of a fluid and electrolyte imbalance. When conducting the mental status examination for this patient, what should the nurse assess first?

A) Affect and mood
B) Memory and affect
C) Cognitive abilities
D) Level of consciousness

Heat Stroke

A severe heat-related illness characterized by a body temperature of 104°F (40°C) or higher, potentially leading to damage to the brain and other internal organs.

Delirium

An acute, often fluctuating state of confusion, characterized by impaired cognition and attention, usually resulting from an underlying medical condition.

Fluid and Electrolyte Imbalance

A condition where the body's water content and the levels of ions are either too high or too low.