Final answer:
An 82-year-old patient displaying evening confusion and agitation may be experiencing sundowning. Increased lighting, presence of a calendar, and family support can help orient and calm the patient. Flurazepam at bedtime for sleep is not recommended due to its risk of worsening confusion and the potential for increasing fall risk in the elderly.
Step-by-step explanation:
The 82-year-old patient's symptoms of confusion, restlessness, agitation, and disorganized speech during the evening hours may indicate a condition known as sundowning, which is common in older individuals, particularly those with dementia. The treatment approaches for sundowning vary, but the goal is to minimize confusion and agitation. Increased lighting in the room and having a calendar on the wall can help orient the patient and reduce confusion. Companionship and family support during the day can provide a sense of security and reduce agitation.
Using low-dose haloperidol at bedtime may help manage severe agitation, but it is an antipsychotic with side effects that can impact motor control and should be considered carefully. Prescribing Flurazepam for sleep at bedtime is not recommended due to the risk of sedation and worsening confusion, which can increase the risk of falls and complicate cognitive impairment in the elderly. Therefore, the inappropriate treatment in this case would be Flurazepam at bedtime for sleep.