The nurse is caring for a patient with Alzheimer disease (AD) who ...

[lak]

The nurse is caring for a patient with Alzheimer disease (AD) who wakes up moaning and frightened in the middle of the night. She begs that her husband's coffin be removed from her room. How should the nurse respond?
 
  a. Turn light on and say, There is no coffin here. This is the dresser.
  b. Leave the light off and shine a flashlight on the dresser and say, See No coffin
  c. Turn the light on, assist patient to the bathroom, and say, This is your dresser.
  d. Leave the light off and say, You are in your room.

Question 2

The nurse is caring for a patient with moderate Alzheimer disease (AD) in a long-term care facility who sundowns. The nurse understands that which action would be most beneficial for this patient?
 
  a. Scheduling social interaction activities in the morning.
  b. Darkening the bedroom to encourage sleep.
  c. Administering sedatives to enhance sleep initiation.
  d. Scheduling an exercise program after supper.

[Ahernandez18]

Answer to Question 1

C
Turning the light on helps reorient the patient. Distraction of going to the bathroom and identi-fying the dresser assist with reorientation after a frightening illusion. The other options would lead to greater confusion.

Answer to Question 2

A
Sundowning occurs when a patient is completely oriented during the day but becomes dis-oriented and confused during the evening and night hours. Planning interactive activities when the resident is not confused is beneficial. Exercise programs at night would add to agitation and confusion. Sedatives also frequently cause confusion. Lights should be left on to assist with reo-rientation should the resident wake up at night.

[lak]

Thank you

[Ahernandez18]

No problemo