Question

A nurse at a long term care facility is contributing to the plan of care for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and wanders at night. Which of the following interventions should the nurse include in the plan?

1) Place the client in a locked room at night
2) Provide a safe and secure environment for the client
3) Administer sedative medication to the client
4) Encourage the client to engage in physical activities during the day

Answer 1

The nurse should include intervention 2) Provide a safe and secure environment for the client in the plan of care for a client with Alzheimer's disease who wanders at night.

Step-by-step explanation:

The nurse should include intervention 2) Provide a safe and secure environment for the client in the plan of care for a client with Alzheimer's disease who wanders at night. This intervention focuses on creating an environment that minimizes the risk of harm and maximizes the client's safety. This can include measures such as installing alarms on doors, using motion sensor lights, and ensuring that walkways are clear of obstacles. By implementing these safety measures, the nurse can help protect the client from potential dangers while still promoting their independence and freedom of movement.

On the other hand, interventions such as placing the client in a locked room at night (intervention 1) or administering sedative medication (intervention 3) are not recommended. Placing the client in a locked room can be distressing and restrict their autonomy, while sedative medication may have unwanted side effects and should only be used when necessary and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Lastly, encouraging the client to engage in physical activities during the day (intervention 4) can help reduce restlessness and promote better sleep patterns at night. Physical activities can tire the client out, making them more likely to feel tired and fall asleep when night comes.