A 79-year-old female patient develops confusion and agitation after surgery. What is the most appropriate management step?

The most appropriate management step in this scenario is to ensure adequate pain control. After surgery, patients may experience discomfort or pain, which can significantly contribute to symptoms such as confusion and agitation. Addressing pain effectively can alleviate these distressing symptoms and improve the patient's overall recovery experience.

In older adults, especially following surgical procedures, pain can manifest not just as overt complaints but can also lead to psychological symptoms like confusion or agitation. Therefore, by prioritizing pain management, you can both mitigate the physical discomfort and potentially reverse the cognitive changes observed.

Other management strategies, while possibly relevant, are not as immediately appropriate in this context. Administering sedatives may further complicate the patient's cognitive status and potentially mask underlying issues instead of addressing the root cause. Increasing fluids might be beneficial if the patient is dehydrated, but this would not directly tackle the confusion and agitation linked more closely to pain. Performing a CT scan of the head could be warranted if there are concerns for a more serious underlying condition, but in the absence of other clear signs of complications like neurological deficits or signs of stroke, it may not be the first line of action. Therefore, focusing on effective pain management is the best choice to address the patient's immediate needs.