Health Care Utilization by Age Group Related

Review Health Care Utilization by Age Group related questions and content

The physician's admission note mentions that a patient has sundown syndrome. The nurse can expect that the patient will:

  • A. exhibit chronic fatigue.
  • B. evidence extreme lethargy at night.
  • C. manifest confusion and agitation at night.
  • D. be more alert between 6 PM and 11 PM.
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: manifest confusion and agitation at night. Sundown syndrome refers to a pattern of behavior where individuals with dementia experience increased confusion, agitation, or restlessness in the late afternoon or evening. This is due to disruptions in the person's internal body clock. It is important for the nurse to anticipate and manage these symptoms during the evening shift.

Choice A: Chronic fatigue is not a typical symptom of sundowning.
Choice B: Extreme lethargy at night is not a common feature of sundown syndrome.
Choice D: Being more alert between 6 PM and 11 PM is not characteristic of sundowning, as individuals with this syndrome typically experience worsening symptoms during these hours.