A client who is hypotensive is receiving dopamine, an adrenergic agonist, intravenously (IV) at the rate of 8 mg/kg/min.
Which intervention should the nurse implement while administering this medication?

Choice A rationale
Replacing the IV site with a smaller gauge is not the most appropriate intervention in this situation. The client’s confusion and picking at the dressing and tape are likely due to the dementia and increased confusion at night, known as “sundowning”. While a smaller gauge might be less noticeable to the client, it does not address the primary issue of the client’s confusion and restlessness at night.

Choice B rationale
Applying soft bilateral wrist restraints might be considered in some situations to prevent a confused client from removing necessary medical devices. However, restraints should be a last resort after all other interventions have been tried because they can increase agitation and confusion, and they pose a risk for injury.
Choice C rationale
Redressing the abdominal incision is the correct choice. The dressing is no longer occlusive, which means it’s not providing a proper barrier to bacteria. This could lead to an infection in the surgical site. The nurse should clean the area and apply a new sterile dressing.
Additionally, the nurse should continue to monitor the client’s behavior and implement interventions to reduce confusion and restlessness, such as reorienting the client and providing a quiet and calm environment.
Choice D rationale
Leaving the lights on in the room at night can actually increase confusion and agitation in clients with dementia. It can disrupt the client’s sleep-wake cycle and make “sundowning” worse. Therefore, this is not the most appropriate intervention.

The correct answer is Choice A

Choice A rationale: Crohn’s disease involves transmural inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, often leading to hypermotility and increased peristalsis. Activity restriction reduces sympathetic stimulation, thereby minimizing intestinal motility and mechanical stress on inflamed mucosa. This helps prevent exacerbation of symptoms and promotes mucosal rest. By limiting physical exertion, the body can redirect energy toward immune modulation and tissue repair. Normal bowel motility varies, but excessive activity worsens inflammation and nutrient malabsorption in Crohn’s pathology.

Choice B rationale: While diarrhea is a common symptom in Crohn’s disease, activity restriction does not directly modulate stool frequency or water reabsorption. Diarrhea results from mucosal damage, cytokine-mediated secretion, and impaired absorption, not physical activity. Management typically involves anti-inflammatory agents, antidiarrheals, and dietary modifications. Restricting movement may indirectly reduce diarrhea by decreasing intestinal stimulation, but it is not the primary mechanism. Stool water content normally ranges from 60–85%, and inflammation disrupts this balance.

Choice C rationale: Healing in Crohn’s disease is multifactorial, involving immunosuppression, mucosal regeneration, and nutritional support. While rest contributes to systemic recovery, it is not the primary driver of mucosal healing. Healing requires suppression of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and other pro-inflammatory mediators. Activity restriction may support healing indirectly by reducing metabolic demand and stress hormone release, but pharmacologic and nutritional interventions are more central. Normal mucosal turnover occurs every 3–5 days, but inflammation delays this process.

Choice D rationale: Abdominal pain in Crohn’s disease arises from transmural inflammation, bowel distension, and neural sensitization. Although rest may reduce visceral stimulation, pain control is better achieved through anti-inflammatory therapy, bowel rest, and analgesics. Activity restriction does not directly modulate nociceptive pathways or cytokine levels. Pain perception involves complex neuroimmune interactions, and physical rest alone cannot address the underlying pathology. Normal visceral pain thresholds are altered in Crohn’s due to chronic inflammation and fibrosis.