Nurse Aide Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The term "sundowning" specifically describes the phenomenon where individuals, particularly those with dementia, experience increased restlessness, agitation, or confusion during the late afternoon or evening hours. This behavior tends to emerge as daylight fades, which can lead to a variety of challenging symptoms for both the individual and caregivers.

Research suggests that sundowning may stem from a combination of factors, including changes in the internal body clock, environmental factors such as the onset of darkness, fatigue, or the individual's inability to process sensory information effectively as the day progresses. Caregivers may notice that these behaviors can lead to distress in the resident and therefore may require interventions to manage the situation, such as creating a calming evening routine or adjusting the environment to reduce confusion.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately capture the essence of sundowning, such as increased morning activity, sudden changes in medication requirements, or improvement in cognitive function during daylight hours. Each of these does not align with the typical behaviors observed in individuals experiencing sundowning symptoms.