An older adult who has Alzheimer disease exhibits new behaviors including shouting in the hallways and hallucinations

Question

Rank the following nursing interventions in order, beginning with the first intervention the nurse should implement in response to the new behavior. A. Review the medication list for potential causes. B. Plan nursing care to promote a trusting relationship. C. Look for the likely causes for psychotic manifestations. D. Consult with her health care provider about medications.

Answer 1

C, A, B, D
The nurse's first task is to identify the likely causes of psychotic behaviors to provide a frame-work for planning suitable nursing interventions. Second, as a potential cause of the new beha-viors, the nurse reviews the medication list and looks for new medications, missed or increased doses, polypharmacy, and medications likely to cause psychotic behavior. Third, after identifying possible pharmacological reasons, the nurse consults with the health care provider to consider adjustments to the pharmacotherapy. Finally, to supplement the removal of offending medica-tions, the nurse promotes a trusting relationship with the older adult by expressing respect and concern.