A nurse is caring for an older adult who lives in a long-term care facility on the Alzheimer unit. Every evening around 5:00 p.m., the resident becomes increasingly agitated and more confused, a state that lasts throughout the evening. The nurse recognizes this behaviour as:
personality disorder.
dementia.
delirium.
sundowning syndrome.
The Correct Answer is D
A. Personality disorder. Personality disorders are long-term patterns of behaviour and inner experiences that deviate significantly from the expectations of the individual's culture. The described behaviour is a specific pattern related to the time of day, not indicative of a personality disorder.
B. Dementia. While dementia is the underlying condition, the specific worsening of symptoms in the evening is known as sundowning syndrome. Dementia alone does not specify the time-related pattern of increased confusion and agitation.
C. Delirium. Delirium is an acute, often sudden change in cognition and attention, usually caused by an underlying medical condition or substance use. The described behavior follows a regular daily pattern, indicating a different issue.
D. Sundowning syndrome. Sundowning syndrome refers to increased confusion and agitation in the late afternoon and evening, commonly seen in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Moderate: Moderate anxiety typically involves increased alertness and focus, not severe physiological changes.
B. Panic: Panic is characterized by extreme dread and inability to function, often with a sense of unreality.
C. Mild: Mild anxiety involves slight discomfort and can enhance learning and performance.
D. Severe: Severe anxiety includes significant physiological responses (elevated vital signs) and a sense of impending doom.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. The darker the patient's skin, the easier it is to assess for color change. Darker skin can make it more challenging to assess color changes, such as pallor or cyanosis.
B. To assess rashes and skin inflammation in dark-skinned individuals, the nurse should rely on palpation. Palpation can help detect changes in texture and warmth, which might be less visible on darker skin.
C. Pallor in black-skinned individuals will appear as a pale pink color. Pallor in dark-skinned individuals often appears as an ashen or gray color, not pink.
D. Baseline skin color should be assessed in areas with the most pigmentation. Baseline skin color should be assessed in normally less pigmented areas like palms and soles for accurate assessment.
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