Michael has been diagnosed with frontal lobe abnormalities. As part of his care and evaluation, it is important to understand the specific functions that the frontal lobe is responsible for.

A. Obtunded: Obtunded patients show decreased alertness and respond slowly to stimuli, often requiring repeated stimulation to maintain attention. This level of consciousness is more severe than confusion and typically involves reduced awareness.

B. Coma: Coma is a state of deep unconsciousness where the patient is unarousable and unresponsive to external stimuli. It is much more severe than confusion or disorientation and is unlikely in a patient who is still able to interact, even if confused.

C. Stupor: Stupor refers to a condition where the patient is mostly unresponsive and only responds to vigorous or painful stimuli. It is more severe than confusion and involves markedly diminished awareness.

D. Delirium: Delirium is characterized by acute onset of confusion, disorientation, impaired attention, and fluctuating levels of consciousness. It best matches the patient's symptoms of confusion, disorientation, and inability to focus.

E. Mild lethargy: Mild lethargy involves drowsiness and reduced energy but does not typically impair orientation or the ability to focus as severely as seen in this patient.

A. Changing an IV: This procedure involves standard precautions to avoid bloodborne infections, not primarily fecal-oral infections like hepatitis A. It is more relevant to viruses such as hepatitis B and C.

B. Disposing of food trays: While hygiene in food service is important, the nurse’s direct role in disposing of trays does not significantly contribute to HAV prevention. HAV is transmitted primarily through the fecal-oral route rather than leftover food on trays.

C. Emptying bed pans: Hepatitis A is spread via the fecal-oral route. Handling feces, especially without strict hand hygiene and appropriate protective equipment, poses a high risk for transmission. Therefore, careful attention is needed during this activity to prevent spread.

D. Taking an oral temperature: This involves mucosal contact but carries minimal risk of spreading hepatitis A, especially when using disposable covers and practicing standard precautions. It is not a primary concern for fecal-oral transmission.