Difficulty: Hard

Average Score: 40%

The STNA is working with a resident who has Sundowning syndrome. This resident is most likely to:

Rationale

Become agitated in the late afternoon.

Sundowning syndrome typically manifests as increased confusion, agitation, and behavioral disturbances that occur in the late afternoon or early evening. This phenomenon is common among individuals with dementia, leading to heightened symptoms as the sun sets.

A (become sleepy when the sun sets) YOUR ANSWER

While it may seem logical that a person would become sleepy as night approaches, individuals with Sundowning syndrome often experience the opposite effect. Instead of feeling relaxed or tired, they tend to become more agitated and restless, making this choice incorrect.

C (becomes hard to arouse in the late afternoon) YOUR ANSWER

Sundowning syndrome does not typically involve increased sleepiness or difficulty waking; rather, it is characterized by heightened agitation and confusion. Residents experiencing Sundowning are often more alert, but their behavior can become erratic and challenging, thus ruling out this option.

D (will be diagnosed with stage 6 Alzheimer's Disease) YOUR ANSWER

Sundowning can occur in various stages of dementia, not exclusively stage 6 Alzheimer's Disease. Therefore, while some individuals with advanced Alzheimer's may experience Sundowning, it is not a definitive indicator of their disease stage, making this choice misleading.

Conclusion

Sundowning syndrome is primarily associated with increased agitation and confusion during the late afternoon and evening hours. The correct identification of this behavior is crucial for caregivers to provide appropriate support and interventions. Recognizing that residents with Sundowning often become agitated rather than sleepy or difficult to wake can help in developing effective management strategies for their care.

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