A home health nurse is visiting a client who has advanced Alzheimer's disease. The client's partner states, "I miss being able to go places with my friends." Which of the following is an appropriate response by the nurse?

Training the bladder by voiding every 5 hr. is incorrect. For individuals experiencing urinary incontinence, scheduled voiding at regular intervals might be a part of the management plan. However, the specific interval of every 5 hours might not suit everyone, as it depends on individual bladder capacity and function. Scheduled voiding should be tailored to the individual's needs and not solely based on a fixed time frame.

Choice B Reason:

Applying adult diapers at bedtime is incorrect. While using protective garments like adult diapers may manage urinary incontinence during sleep, it doesn't address the underlying issue or provide a solution to improve the condition.

Choice C Reason:

Performing pelvic-muscle exercises is correct. Pelvic floor muscle exercises, also known as Kegel exercises, can help strengthen the muscles that support the bladder and control urine flow. This can potentially improve urinary incontinence by enhancing bladder control.

Choice D Reason:

Drinking citrus juice with meals is incorrect. Citrus juices can irritate the bladder and potentially exacerbate urinary incontinence for some individuals. Advising the consumption of citrus juice might not be beneficial and could worsen symptoms in certain cases.

Choice A Reason:

While documenting the refusal is important for accurate record-keeping and to ensure communication among the healthcare team, addressing the client's immediate concerns and attempting to resolve the issue of medication refusal should take precedence before documenting.

Choice B Reason:

Returning the medication is a procedural step but is not the immediate action needed when a client refuses medication due to adverse effects. First, it's important to address the client's concerns and discuss the potential consequences of refusal.

When a client refuses medication due to experiencing adverse effects, the initial action for the nurse to take is:

Choice C Reason:

Inform the client of the potential consequences of their refusal is correct. It's essential to engage in a conversation with the client to understand their concerns and educate them about the potential consequences of not taking their antihypertensive medication. The nurse should discuss the risks associated with untreated high blood pressure to ensure the client is informed about the importance of the prescribed medication.

Choice D Reason:

Notifying the provider is important, but it is generally done after the nurse has attempted to address the client’s concerns and informed them of the consequences. The provider should be informed if the refusal persists or if the nurse believes the situation requires further medical intervention.