Grandma Knows Best!
This common change means older adults may need more time to learn new skills.
slower processing or mild short-term memory lapses
This condition appears suddenly and often fluctuates throughout the day.
Delirium
This class of medication may increase fall risk because it causes sedation.
Benzodiazepines
Facing the client and speaking clearly is the best way to communicate with someone who has this hearing condition.
Presbycusis
When confusion begins suddenly, nurses first look for this type of cause.
Reversible causes
Forgetting a name but remembering it later falls into this category.
Normal aging change
This condition develops slowly and progressively over years.
Dementia
This antipsychotic works mainly by blocking dopamine receptors.
Instead of arguing with a confused client, the nurse should do this first.
validate feelings and redirect
An oxygen saturation of 88% during a cognitive assessment signals this level of urgency.
Immediate/High Priority
Voiding once during the night is usually considered this.
Normal aging change
When symptoms worsen in the evening, we often call it this.
Sundowners
Using antipsychotics in dementia carries an increased risk of this serious event.
Increased stroke/mortality risk
Getting clients moving, turning them often, and encouraging ROM helps prevent complications of this.
Immobility
New confusion after several days of bed rest is a red flag for this complication.
Delirium
With aging, fewer functioning nephrons can lead to this urinary pattern.
Nocturia or decreased renal filtration
Before diagnosing dementia, nurses look for these causes first.
Reversible causes
This medication type is preferred during alcohol withdrawal instead of antipsychotics.
Benzodiazepines
When a caregiver says they never get a break, the nurse recognizes this condition.
Caregiver Role Strain
When multiple new medications are added, this nursing action comes first.
Medication reconciliation
When an older adult suddenly needs help bathing and dressing after hospitalization, this has occurred.
Functional decline
Loss of ability to perform familiar tasks is a major sign of this level of cognitive decline.
Neurocognitive
When a diuretic is combined with an antihypertensive, older adults are at higher risk for this blood pressure problem.
Orthostatic hypotension
Helping an older adult stand up slowly is the best intervention to prevent this common issue.
Orthostatic hypotension
This finding — more than memory loss — tells the nurse the problem is likely not normal aging.
Pathological cognitive decline