Question

An older adult client who was hospitalized 3 days ago is having trouble sleeping with some periods of confusion during waking hours. What is the best interpretation by the nurse regarding this client data?

a) The client is unable to manage health proactively.
b) The client is having difficulty coping with hospitalization.
c) The client may be experiencing hallucinations triggered by confusion.
d) The client is having a disrupted sleep cycle because of the environment.

Answer 1

The nurse's interpretation is that the hospitalized older adult's sleep cycle is disrupted due to the hospital environment, leading to trouble sleeping and confusion.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best interpretation by the nurse regarding an older adult client who was hospitalized 3 days ago and is having trouble sleeping with some periods of confusion during waking hours is that the client is having a disrupted sleep cycle because of the hospital environment. Hospitals can be noisy and have a lot of activity at all hours, which can interfere with an individual's normal sleep patterns. Furthermore, the unfamiliar surroundings and lack of a usual routine can result in disorientation and sleep disruption. Such sleep disturbances can, in turn, lead to confusion, especially in older adults. Encouraging regular sleep habits and creating a rest conducive environment can help mitigate these issues.