Question

A dementia patient often demonstrates sundowning. Why does the nursing assistant monitor the patient closely starting in the late afternoon?

People with sundowners often exhibit hallucinations, and the nursing assistant is ready to respond to difficult behavior.
People with sundowners often lose their appetites, and the nursing assistant is monitoring the patient’s nutrition and hydration.
People with sundowners often wander, and the nursing assistant is monitoring the patient’s safety.
People with sundowners often pillage, and the nursing assistant is ready to respond to difficult behavior.

Answer 1

People who have sundowners frequently wander, and the nursing assistant is keeping an eye on the patient's safety. Sundowning is a common occurrence in dementia patients, in which the patient gets agitated, disoriented, or restless in the late afternoon or evening. This can result in roaming, putting the patient at danger of falls or other mishaps. As a result, the nursing assistant must continuously observe the patient throughout this period to safeguard their safety.