A client with dementia frequently becomes agitated during the evening and begins pacing around the unit. What is the most appropriate initial intervention?
Orient the client to the time and location and discuss their pacing behavior.
Engage the client in a calming activity, such as folding towels or listening to soft music.
Use physical restraints to prevent the client from injuring themselves or others while pacing.
Administer a sedative to address the client's agitation.
The correct answer involves redirecting or engaging the client in a calming activity. This approach addresses the agitation by providing structure and reducing confusion, commonly seen during 'sundowning' in dementia. Attempting to orient the client during acute agitation may heighten their distress, as individuals with dementia may struggle to process such information. Physical restraints are not a first-line intervention and can escalate agitation or cause harm. Sedative use should be a last resort when non-pharmacological methods fail, as it can lead to dependency and adverse effects.
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NCLEX RN
Psychosocial Integrity
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