The client's family says, "We don't understand what is happening to Dad. He becomes very agitated in the evenings, cussing like a sailor." When responding to the family, which phenomenon will the nurse include?
A) Delirium
B) Sundown syndrome
C) Anxiety
D) Psychosis
Answer: B
Sundown syndrome, or sundowning, is understood as confused behavior when the environmental stimulation is low. It is seen in clients with delirium and dementia who are institutionalized. The client can become increasingly agitated, disoriented, or even aggressive/paranoid or impulsive and emotional later in the day and at night. Delirium is a rapid-onset type of confusion. Anxiety does not come and go; it is a state of mind. Psychosis is a mental disorder, and this client is not exhibiting signs of psychosis.
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