Consider This
Question 1: Cataloging every interaction with a patient seems tedious and time consuming. Why might collecting such data be useful?
The purpose of this exercise is to identify patterns of behavior in both the patient and his caregivers. Certain behaviors by staff may trigger abusive behaviors in the patient at certain times but not at others. Looking at the entire picture rather than just the abusive moments, will help the team isolate the environmental factors from the behavioral factors.
Question 2: CNA Maria states that Mr. Otis is mostly abusive in the late afternoon. Could the time of day be a factor in Mr. Otis's abusive behaviors? Why?
The term "sundowning" refers to a state of confusion at the end of the day and into the night. Sundowning isn't a disease, but a symptom that often occurs in people with dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. The cause isn't known. When sundowning occurs in a care facility, it may be related to the flurry of activity during staff shift changes.