Question

Guessed right A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and requires acute care for a respiratory infection. The client is agitated and is attempting to remove their IV catheter. Which of the following actions should the nurse take to avoid restraining the client?

Options:
a) Administer a sedative to calm the client.
b) Secure the IV catheter with a soft, padded restraint.
c) Ask a family member to stay with the client and provide comfort.
d) Use a therapeutic approach, such as distraction or redirection.

Answer 1

To avoid restraining an older adult client with dementia who is trying to remove their IV catheter, a nurse should use therapeutic approaches like distraction or ask a family member to provide comfort.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for an older adult client with dementia who is agitated and attempting to remove their IV catheter should avoid restraining the client. Instead, the nurse should use a therapeutic approach, such as distraction or redirection, to calm the client without the need for physical restraints. If available, the nurse might also consider involving a family member to stay with the client and provide comfort, which can be a familiar and reassuring presence for the patient. Administering a sedative or securing the IV with a restraint should only be considered when other less invasive approaches have proven ineffective and when necessary for the patient's safety.