A cognitively impaired patient newly admitted to the hospital is experiencing signs of sundown syndrome. Which intervention is best for the nurse to implement?
a. Leave a night light on in the room at all times.
b. Leave the television on at night with the volume up.
c. Restrain the patient to maintain safety during the confusion.
d. Administer a sleeping medication to help the patient sleep.
ANS: A
Having a night light on for the patient can help orient them to their surroundings. Having the flickering light and sound from a television will not help a confused patient remain calm or oriented. Restraining a patient will increase their agitation and actually increase their risk of injury if they try to get out of bed. Sleeping medications often increase confusion in cognitively impaired patients.
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