Which of the following conditions is most likely to be misdiagnosed in older adults due to atypical presentation?

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) in older adults can often present atypically, making them more susceptible to misdiagnosis. Unlike younger individuals who may exhibit classic symptoms such as painful urination, frequency, and urgency, older adults may experience nonspecific symptoms like confusion, lethargy, or a sudden change in behavior. This atypical presentation can lead healthcare providers to overlook the possibility of a UTI, attributing these changes to other age-related issues or conditions. Recognizing the potential for such atypical clinical manifestations in this population is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent further complications.

While pneumonia, heart failure, and acute myocardial infarction certainly can present with atypical symptoms in older adults as well, the prevalence of atypical symptoms leading to misdiagnosis is particularly notable in urinary tract infections, making them the most likely condition to be misdiagnosed in this age group.