Final answer:
The appropriate nursing intervention for an elderly woman with microvascular dementia who sleeps in another client's bed is changing her room assignment to one closer to the nurse's station. This allows for better observation without using restraints or medications that may have adverse effects. Safe, patient-centered care should always be a priority in these cases.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the scenario where an 86-year-old woman with microvascular dementia frequently sleeps in another client's bed, the most appropriate nursing intervention would be option b: Change her room assignment to a room closest to the nurse's station for staff observation. This intervention ensures safe monitoring of the patient while preserving her dignity and autonomy, and it does not involve restraint or medication that can further complicate her condition. Locking doors is generally not advisable as it can pose safety risks in the event of an emergency and may contravene patient's rights and safety regulations. Additionally, prescribing a benzodiazepine is not the best immediate solution due to the potential risk of increased confusion, falls, and adverse effects on cognitive function, particularly in elderly patients with dementia.
Histories, such as Cystitis in the Elderly, and research findings, for example, Guilleminault et al. (2005) indicating that sleepwalking was not alleviated with the use of benzodiazepines, support the recommendation that non-pharmacological interventions should be prioritized in managing sleep-related issues in the elderly. Furthermore, consideration should be given to potential side effects of medications possibly affecting the patient's motor control and cognition. Clinical interventions in dementia care should aim to minimize disruptive factors while enhancing the patient's comfort and safety.