An older adult client, hospitalized post-surgery, wakes up in the middle of the night very confused. The nurse reorients the client to the surroundings and gets the client to return to sleep

Question

Which should the nurse consider as a source for the client's confusion?
A) Ambien 10 mg as needed at bedtime for sleep
B) The client's age
C) The death of the client's husband last month
D) History of cardiac disease

Answer 1

Answer: A

Certain medications, such as sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and pain medications, can cause symptoms similar to dementia. Therefore, the client's medication must be reviewed to determine the effects of drugs and cognitive changes. Although loss of a loved one may result in depression, it is unlikely to be the source of confusion. Age alone does not cause confusion, and cardiac disease alone would not cause confusion.