A home health nurse is planning care for a client who has Alzheimer’s disease.
Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?
A.
Wear clothing with zippers instead of buttons.
B.
Place locks at the tops of exterior doors.
C.
Replace the carpet with hardwood floors.
D.
Encourage physical activity prior to bedtime.
The correct answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is B. Place locks at the tops of exterior doors.
Explanation:
When planning care for a client with Alzheimer’s disease, safety is a primary concern due to the potential for wandering and confusion. Alzheimer’s disease often impairs judgment and memory, leading to an increased risk of the client getting lost or being in unsafe situations. Placing locks at the tops of exterior doors is a preventive measure that helps mitigate this risk. By installing locks out of reach, the nurse can help ensure the client does not wander outside unsupervised, which can be dangerous and disorienting for them.
Rationale for Other Options:
A. Wear clothing with zippers instead of buttons: While this might be convenient for ease of dressing, it does not address the primary safety concerns associated with Alzheimer’s disease. The client’s cognitive and memory deficits are more critical issues to address.
C. Replace the carpet with hardwood floors: Although hardwood floors might be easier to clean and maintain, the type of flooring does not have a direct impact on the immediate safety concerns related to wandering and cognitive impairment. Instead, other strategies, such as providing clear, simple navigation cues, might be more relevant.
D. Encourage physical activity prior to bedtime: Encouraging physical activity is generally beneficial for overall health and can help with sleep. However, this does not directly address the primary safety concerns associated with Alzheimer’s disease. For clients with Alzheimer’s, safety measures to prevent wandering and ensure their environment is secure are more critical in the care plan.
In summary, focusing on safety measures such as installing high locks on exterior doors is essential for managing the risks associated with Alzheimer’s disease and ensuring the client’s well-being.