A client who recently suffered a stroke suffers from right-sided homonymous hemianopsia. What is the best action for the nurse to take when caring for the client during mealtime?

Choice A Reason: This is incorrect because a referral to a sleep study program is not the most appropriate plan of care for a blind client who has difficulty with sleep. A sleep study program is used to diagnose and treat sleep disorders such as sleep apnea, narcolepsy, or restless legs syndrome.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because assisting the client to see if a night shift job is available is not a helpful plan of care for a blind client who has difficulty with sleep. A night shift job can disrupt the circadian rhythm and worsen the sleep quality and quantity of the client.

Choice C Reason: This is incorrect because institution of opioids and sedatives is not a safe plan of care for a blind client who has difficulty with sleep. Opioids and sedatives can cause addiction, dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal symptoms. They can also impair the respiratory and cognitive functions of the client.

Choice D Reason: This is the correct choice because education about non-24 disorder is an essential plan of care for a blind client who has difficulty with sleep. Non-24 disorder is a condition where the internal clock of the body does not synchronize with the 24-hour day-night cycle. It can cause irregular sleep patterns, daytime fatigue, and mood disturbances. It is more common in blind people who lack light perception. The nurse should educate the client about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of non-24 disorder.

Choice A Reason: This is a correct choice. Trying to avoid scratching is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it prevents further damage and infection of the skin. Scratching can break the skin barrier and introduce bacteria or fungi into the wound, leading to inflammation and complications.

Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Applying a moist cool compress is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it soothes and relieves itching and swelling. A moist cool compress can reduce inflammation and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using alcohol to cleanse the area is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it irritates and dries out the skin. Alcohol can strip away the natural oils and moisture from the skin, making it more prone to cracking and itching.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using a wooden stick to scratch lesions is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it causes more harm than good. A wooden stick can injure or infect the skin, as well as spread the allergen or irritant to other areas.

Choice E Reason: This is a correct choice. Avoiding hot air is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it aggravates itching and inflammation. Hot air can increase blood flow and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms. The client should also avoid hot water or showers, as they can have the same effect.