The nurse is caring for an elderly client who has been diagnosed as having sundown syndrome. He is alert and oriented during the day but becomes disoriented and disruptive around dinnertime. He is hospitalized for evaluation. The nurse asks the client and his family to list all of the medications. prescription and nonprescription. he is currently taking. What is the primary reason for this action?

Multiple medications can lead to dementia

Drugs commonly used by elderly people. especially in combination. can lead to dementia. Assessment of the medication taken may or may not provide information on the clients medical background. However. this is not the primary reason for assessing medications in a client who is exhibiting sundown syndrome. Ability to recall medications may indicate short-term memory and recall. However. that is not the primary reason for assessing medications in a client with sundown syndrome. Medication history should be a part of the nursing assessment. In this client there is an even more important reason for evaluating the medications taken.