Difficulty: Medium
Average Score: 71%
Simulated
The adult child of an older adult calls the nurse practitioner to report that the parent is becoming very confused after dark. What is this type of confusion named?
Correct answer
C
Rationale
The correct answer is C: Sundowning syndrome. Sundowning refers to the worsening of confusion and behavioral symptoms in older adults with dementia during the late afternoon and evening. This phenomenon is often triggered by the change in light levels and disruption of the circadian rhythm. The symptoms include agitation, restlessness, confusion, and mood swings, typically occurring around sunset.
A: Cognitive dysfunction is a broad term that can encompass various cognitive impairments, not specific to the time of day.
B: Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, but it does not specifically refer to worsening symptoms in the evening.
D: Night-time confusion is not a recognized medical term and does not specifically describe the phenomenon of sundowning.
A: Cognitive dysfunction is a broad term that can encompass various cognitive impairments, not specific to the time of day.
B: Alzheimer's disease is a specific type of dementia characterized by progressive memory loss and cognitive decline, but it does not specifically refer to worsening symptoms in the evening.
D: Night-time confusion is not a recognized medical term and does not specifically describe the phenomenon of sundowning.