A nurse on the medical-surgical floor is caring for an elderly patient with sundowner's syndrome. During the day, the patient is alert and oriented, but when the sun sets, the patient becomes confused,
Explanation
• Ativan (lorazepam) is a benzodiazepine that can be used for agitation when necessary.
• It is safer for use in the elderly because it has a shorter half-life and is cleared from the body faster, preventing a prolonged drug effect due to accumulation in the body.
• Lorazepam, like other benzodiazepines, can become habit-forming, so it should be used only on a short-term basis.