Question

You are assigned to care for Mr. Cruise, 85, who has Alzheimer disease. He often wanders from room to room and tries to open the outside doors. He frequently becomes agitated and restless, especially

Answer 1

Elderly Alzheimer's patients, like Mr. Cruise, require special care for symptoms like wandering and agitation, which can involve various strategies and monitoring for co-occurring conditions like cystitis. In patients like Robert with similar profiles who develop a fever, assessment for infections like cystitis is crucial.

Step-by-step explanation:

Caring for elderly patients with Alzheimer's disease often includes addressing various behavioral symptoms, such as restlessness, wandering, and agitation. These behaviors can be distressing for both the patient and the caregiver and are part of the broader category of neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia. In Mr. Cruise's case, his tendency to wander and become agitated necessitates a focused approach that might include environmental modifications, consistent routines, and potentially medication under the guidance of a healthcare provider.

When cases such as Robert's, an 81-year-old Alzheimer's patient, complicate with physical symptoms like fever, it is vital to assess for possible infections or other medical conditions. Cystitis, or inflammation of the bladder, is a common issue in the elderly and can present with nonspecific symptoms like fever, increased restlessness, or changes in urinary habits. Prompt recognition and treatment of such conditions are essential in nursing home residents to prevent further complications.