A charge nurse is instructing a newly licensed nurse about mental health disorders. Which of the following statements by the nurse indicates an understanding of mental health disorders?

A. Limit time for the client to perform activities:

This option may increase agitation and frustration for the client with Alzheimer's disease. It is generally not recommended to limit their time for activities, as it may lead to distress.

B. Rotate assignment of daily caregivers:

Consistency in caregivers is often beneficial for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Constantly changing caregivers can lead to confusion and anxiety for the client. Thus, rotating caregivers is not the best approach.

C. Provide an activity schedule that changes from day to day:

Individuals with Alzheimer's disease often benefit from routine and predictability. Changing the activity schedule daily can cause confusion and disorientation. Therefore, it is not the most appropriate intervention.

D. Talk the client through tasks one step at a time:

This is the best choice because breaking down tasks into simple, manageable steps can help individuals with Alzheimer's disease understand and follow instructions. It promotes a sense of accomplishment and reduces frustration. This approach is aligned with the principles of dementia care.

A. Incorrect. Mental health and mental illness are not the same concepts. Mental health refers to a person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being, while mental illness refers to specific mental health conditions that significantly affect a person's thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

B. Incorrect. Mental health and mental illness can both present at any age. Mental health is a broader concept that encompasses overall well-being, while mental illnesses can manifest at various stages of life.

C. Correct. This statement accurately distinguishes between mental health and mental illness. Mental health involves the ability to cope with daily stressors, while mental illness is characterized by disruptions in activities of daily living due to specific mental health conditions.

D. Incorrect. This statement confuses the relationship between mental health and mental illness. Mental health is a broader concept that contributes to overall well-being, while mental illness is a specific condition that may arise due to various factors, including poor mental health.