title: Wandering.
abstract: There are different types of wandering patterns as well as different etiologies which include both emotional and physiological origins. All interventions should focus on understanding why the behavior is present. Wandering may have beneficial effects for the client such as satisfying emotional needs as well as improving physical limitations--poor circulation and oxygenation or the presence of contractures. Management of the environment is the best means of dealing with wandering behavior. Medication should be the intervention of last choice.
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Coltharp
authors.forename: M F
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Richie
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Kaas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D003221:Confusion / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D003663:Decision Trees; D005851:Geriatric Nursing / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D016138:Walking