A nurse is visiting a client who has Alzheimer's disease in their home. The client's spouse states that the client gets increasingly agitated and restless in the evening hours and can sometimes be difficult to calm down. Which of the following behaviors does the nurse recognize that the client is experiencing?
Relocation stress syndrome
Wandering
Sundowning
Depression
The Correct Answer is C
A. Relocation stress syndrome: Relocation stress syndrome refers to the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by individuals when they are moved from one environment to another, such as transitioning to a new residence or healthcare facility. While relocation stress syndrome can cause agitation and confusion in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, the scenario provided does not indicate a recent relocation.
B. Wandering: Wandering is a common behavior observed in individuals with dementia, where they aimlessly roam or wander in their environment. While wandering may be associated with agitation and restlessness, the scenario does not describe the client physically moving around or attempting to leave their home.
C. Sundowning: Sundowning refers to a phenomenon commonly observed in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, where they experience increased agitation, confusion, and restlessness in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Sundowning behaviors can include pacing, agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, and difficulty sleeping. The exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood but may be related to factors such as fatigue, sensory overload, hormonal imbalances, or disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. Managing sundowning behaviors often involves creating a calming environment, maintaining a consistent daily routine, minimizing stimuli in the evening, and providing reassurance and comfort to the individual.
D. Depression: Depression can occur in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and may present with symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. However, the scenario primarily describes agitation and restlessness in the evening hours, which is characteristic of sundowning rather than depression.
Nursing Test Bank
Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is D
Explanation
A. Apply soft restraints to wrists and chest: Using restraints should only be considered as a last resort and should not be the first intervention for managing delirium. Restraints can exacerbate agitation and increase the risk of complications such as skin breakdown, musculoskeletal injury, and psychological distress. Therefore, applying restraints should not be the first action taken by the nurse.
B. Administer antipsychotic medications as prescribed: While antipsychotic medications may be used to manage symptoms of delirium in some cases, they should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Additionally, the use of antipsychotics in the ICU requires careful consideration due to potential adverse effects, such as sedation, hypotension, and prolongation of the QT interval. The decision to administer antipsychotic medications should be based on a comprehensive assessment and in consultation with the healthcare team.
C. Administer sedative medications as prescribed: Administering sedative medications may help calm an agitated client with delirium, but it should not be the first intervention for preventing client injury. Sedatives can further impair cognition and increase the risk of falls or other complications. Like antipsychotic medications, the use of sedatives should be based on a thorough assessment and in collaboration with the healthcare team, rather than being the initial action taken by the nurse.
D. Arrange for one-on-one observation for the client: Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a serious condition that can lead to confusion, disorientation, and an increased risk of injury to the client. The priority intervention for preventing client injury in this situation is to ensure constant monitoring and supervision. By arranging for one-on-one observation, the nurse can provide continuous monitoring of the client's behavior, assess for changes or signs of agitation, and intervene promptly to prevent falls or other injuries.
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
A. Poor functional ability: While poor functional ability may impact the overall prognosis and quality of life for a client with a subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), it is not directly associated with a high mortality rate. Functional ability can be improved with rehabilitation and supportive care.
B. Rebleeding of the injury: Rebleeding of the SAH is a significant risk factor associated with a high mortality rate. Rebleeding can lead to increased intracranial pressure, worsening neurological deficits, and even death. Preventing rebleeding is a critical aspect of managing SAH to improve outcomes.
C. Decreased cerebrospinal fluid: Decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may indicate conditions such as hydrocephalus, which can complicate the management of SAH. However, it is not directly associated with a high mortality rate compared to rebleeding.
D. Use of nimodipine: Nimodipine is a calcium channel blocker commonly used in the management of SAH to prevent cerebral vasospasm, which can lead to ischemia and worsen outcomes. While nimodipine plays a role in improving outcomes by preventing vasospasm, its use is not directly associated with mortality rates.
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