Author Question: A cognitively impaired patient newly admitted to the hospital is experiencing signs of sundown ... (Read 92 times)

Zoey63294 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A cognitively impaired patient newly admitted to the hospital is experiencing signs of sundown syndrome. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?

a. Leave a night light on in the room at all times.
b. Leave the television on at night with the volume up.
c. Restrain the patient to maintain safety during the confusion.
d. Administer a sleeping medication to help the patient sleep.

Question 2

A patient who is dehydrated has been experiencing confusion. The daughter is concerned about taking the patient home in a confused state. What statement by the nurse is correct?

a. Don't worry; the patient should be fine once they are in a familiar environment.
b. I can make a referral for a home health aide to assist with the patient.
c. Once the dehydration is corrected, the patient's confusion should improve.
d. I can show you how to care for the patient once you return home.

JYan · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
Having a night light on for the patient can help orient them to their surroundings. Having the flickering light and sound from a television will not help a confused patient remain calm or oriented. Restraining a patient will increase their agitation and actually increase their risk of injury if they try to get out of bed. Sleeping medications often increase confusion in cognitively impaired patients.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: C
The confusion caused by an underlying medical condition is a temporary condition that can be corrected once the underlying condition is treated, in this case once the patient is rehydrated. It is not necessary to teach home care or make a referral to home health because it is not expected that the patient will be confused at discharge. Telling the daughter that there is nothing to worry about diminishes her concern and may decrease her trust in the nurse.