An older adult, diagnosed with Alzheimer disease, lives with family and has multiple bruises. The home health nurse talks with the older adult's daughter, who becomes defensive and says, "My mother often wanders at night. Last night she fell down the stairs." Which nursing diagnosis has priority?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient is at high risk for injury because of her confusion. The risk increases when caregivers are unable to provide constant supervision. No assessment data support the diagnoses of impaired verbal communication or noncompliance. Sleep pattern disturbance certainly applies to this patient; however, the diagnosis risk for injury is a higher priority.

An Older Adult, Diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease, Lives with Family