An older adult patient has developed acute confusion. The patient has been on tranquilizers for the past week. The patient's vital signs are normal. What should the nurse do?
a. Take into account age-related changes in body systems that affect pharmacokinetic activity.
b. Increase the dose of tranquilizer if the cause of the confusion is an infection.
c. Note when the confusion occurs and medicate before that time.
d. Restrict telephone usage to prevent further confusion.
ANS: A
Sedatives and tranquilizers sometimes prescribed for acutely confused older adults sometimes cause or exacerbate confusion. Carefully administer drugs used to manage confused behaviors, taking into account age-related changes in body systems that affect pharmacokinetic activity. When confusion has a physiological cause (such as an infection), specifically treat that cause, rather than the confused behavior. When confusion varies by time of day or is related to environmental factors, nonpharmacological measures such as making the environment more meaningful, providing adequate light, etc., should be used. Making telephone calls to friends or family members allows older adults to hear reassuring voices, which may be beneficial.
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