What condition may confuse a resident in a healthcare setting?

A urinary tract infection (UTI) can indeed cause confusion in a resident in a healthcare setting, particularly in older adults. UTIs are known to trigger cognitive changes, such as confusion, agitation, or delirium, even in individuals who may have previously been cognitively intact. The presence of infection can lead to a systemic response that negatively impacts mental status, which can be mistaken for a neurological disorder or exacerbation of pre-existing cognitive issues.

In contrast, while stroke and dementia can also lead to confusion, they are typically associated with more persistent and stable changes in cognitive function. Additionally, anxiety can cause distress but does not usually produce confusion in the same way that a UTI does. Thus, recognizing and addressing a UTI is critical in healthcare settings since prompt treatment can significantly improve the resident's condition and mental clarity.