Question

the nurse is developing a plan of care for a client with dementia. which feature of confusion in the elderly is accurate? a bewilderment is to be expected, and progresses with age. b being perplexed can be prevented with adequate sleep. c disorientation often follows relocation to new surroundings. d uncertainty is a result of irreversible brain pathology.

Explanation:

• Option A: Confusion is not a normal, expected part of aging, so this is incorrect.
• Option B: Adequate sleep can help but cannot universally prevent confusion in the elderly, so this is incorrect.
• Option C: Relocation to new, unfamiliar environments is a common trigger for acute confusion (delirium) in older adults, especially those with dementia, making this accurate.
• Option D: Not all confusion in the elderly stems from irreversible brain pathology; it can be caused by reversible factors like infections, medication side effects, or dehydration, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. Disorientation often follows relocation to new surroundings.