Final answer:
To care for a client with dementia without restraints, the nurse should keep the client occupied with manual activities, provide a quiet environment, and check on the client regularly (every 2 hours). These measures can reduce agitation and prevent the client from attempting to remove their IV catheter.
Step-by-step explanation:
To effectively care for an older adult client with dementia who is agitated and trying to remove an IV catheter without using restraints, the nurse should focus on strategies that avoid escalation and provide comfort to the patient. Keeping the client occupied with a manual activity can be beneficial, as it distracts the patient from their discomfort and can mitigate their agitation. It's imperative to choose activities that are safe, engaging, and appropriate to the cognitive level of the client. Activities may include simple puzzles, folding towels, or engaging in conversation about familiar subjects.
In addition to activities, providing a quiet environment may reduce sensory overload, which can contribute to agitation in dementia patients. Keeping the environment calm and free of unnecessary stimuli helps in creating a therapeutic and soothing atmosphere for the client.
Regularly checking on the client (e.g., check on the client q2h), ensuring that their needs are met promptly, and reassessing their comfort levels can help in early identification of any escalating behavior, potentially reducing the need for physical restraints.