Which medication might a nurse expect to be prescribed for an elderly client with Alzheimer's disease showing aggression?

The choice of Haloperidol (Haldol) at bedtime is appropriate for managing aggression in an elderly client with Alzheimer's disease due to its effectiveness as an atypical antipsychotic. Haloperidol is commonly used to address behavioral disturbances, including aggression and agitation, which can be symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's.

This medication works by altering the effects of chemicals in the brain, particularly dopamine, which can contribute to aggressive behavior. When managing symptoms in elderly patients, particularly those with dementia-related conditions, it is essential to use medications that can help stabilize mood and reduce violence or agitation without significantly increasing the risk of adverse effects, such as sedation or cognitive decline. Haloperidol is often considered because it has a well-established profile for this use in managing acute agitation and is frequently dosed at night to lessen daytime sedation.

Other options, such as Diazepam, are generally not recommended for use in elderly patients due to the risk of dependency and increased side effects like confusion and falls. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and may not directly address aggression in the context of Alzheimer's. Lithium is typically used for mood stabilization in bipolar disorder and is less appropriate for treating aggression in dementia-related conditions.