A hospice nurse is visiting with the son of a client who has terminal cancer.
The son reports sleeping very little during the past week due to caring for his mother.
Which of the following responses should the nurse make?

Choice A rationale:

Clients with dementia often experience difficulties with memory, cognition, and orientation, which can lead to increased risk of falls and injuries, especially when trying to perform activities of daily living such as using the toilet. Assisting the client to the toilet frequently helps prevent accidents and reduces the risk of injury from falls. Timely toileting can also improve the client's comfort and overall quality of life.

Choice B rationale:

Raising the side rails up when the client is in bed can create a physical barrier, but it is not a recommended method to prevent falls in clients with dementia. In fact, it can pose a risk by confining the client and may lead to attempts to climb over the rails, resulting in falls and injuries.

Choice C rationale:

Placing the bedside table at the foot of the bed does not directly address the client's safety needs. While it might be a matter of personal preference or convenience, it does not significantly impact the client's risk of injury.

Choice D rationale:

Keeping the television on during the night does not address the client's physical safety. While it may provide entertainment or a familiar environment, it does not mitigate the risk of falls or injuries, which is the primary concern when caring for clients with dementia.

The correct answer is choice c. Limit fluid intake with meals.

Choice A rationale:

Administering a bronchodilator after meals is not ideal because bronchodilators are typically given before meals to help open the airways and make breathing easier during eating.

Choice B rationale:

Ambulating the client before each meal might cause fatigue, making it harder for the client to eat and potentially decreasing their overall intake.

Choice C rationale:

Limiting fluid intake with meals can help prevent the client from feeling too full, which can make it easier for them to consume more solid food. This is particularly important for clients with COPD who may already have a reduced appetite and difficulty eating large amounts at once.

Choice D rationale:

Offering three large meals each day is not recommended for clients with COPD. Smaller, more frequent meals are generally better tolerated and can help prevent the feeling of fullness that can make breathing more difficult.