Question

A nurse is caring for an older adult client who is experiencing Delirium. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the client's plan of care?

Option 1: Encourage the client to consume caffeinated beverages.
Option 2: Maintain a consistent and quiet environment.
Option 3: Limit physical activity to prevent agitation.
Option 4: Administer sedatives to promote uninterrupted sleep.

Answer 1

The best intervention for a nurse caring for a client with delirium is to maintain a consistent and quiet environment. This helps reduce confusion and agitation and supports brain recovery without the risks associated with caffeine intake, physical activity limitation, or sedative use.

Step-by-step explanation:

A nurse caring for an older adult client who is experiencing delirium should include various interventions in the client's plan of care to help manage symptoms and facilitate recovery. Among the options provided, Option 2: Maintain a consistent and quiet environment is the most appropriate intervention. Delirium can often be exacerbated by environmental factors, and a stable environment can help reduce confusion and agitation. A quiet and predictable environment can also help the brain recover and reduce the overstimulation that might worsen delirium.

Option 1, encouraging the client to consume caffeinated beverages, is not recommended as caffeine can increase agitation and potentially worsen delirium. Option 3, limiting physical activity, isn't typically advised unless the activity poses a safety risk since gentle activity can be beneficial for some patients. Lastly, Option 4, administering sedatives to promote uninterrupted sleep, should be done with caution as some sedatives can contribute to delirium. Non-pharmacologic approaches are preferred for initial management of sleep disturbances in delirium.