A nurse in a mental health clinic is attempting to develop a therapeutic relationship with a client. Which of the following should be the appropriate action by the nurse?

Choice A rationale:

Misplacing car keys is a common occurrence in many people's lives and is not necessarily indicative of Alzheimer's disease. It can happen to anyone due to various factors like stress or distraction.

Choice B rationale:

Difficulty performing familiar tasks is a potential early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. This can include tasks that the person previously did with ease, such as cooking or dressing themselves. Alzheimer's disease affects cognitive abilities, including the ability to perform familiar tasks.

Choice C rationale:

Losing sense of time is another potential early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. People with Alzheimer's may lose track of days or seasons, as the disease impacts their sense of time and memory.

Choice D rationale:

Problems with performing basic calculations can be a sign of cognitive decline, but it is not one of the primary early warning signs of Alzheimer's disease. This choice is less specific to Alzheimer's and could be related to other cognitive disorders as well.

Choice E rationale:

Becoming lost in a usually familiar environment is a significant early warning sign of Alzheimer's disease. Individuals with Alzheimer's may become disoriented even in places they know well, leading to confusion and anxiety. This is a result of the disease affecting their spatial memory and navigation skills.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse's approach of sitting with the client and offering simple, direct information is appropriate for a newly admitted client diagnosed with severe depression. This approach allows the nurse to establish a therapeutic rapport and provide the client with essential information in a clear and concise manner. People with severe depression often have difficulty processing complex information, so providing simple and direct information can enhance their understanding and alleviate any feelings of overwhelm.

Choice B rationale:

Explaining the unit policies and answering the client's questions might be overwhelming for someone with severe depression during their initial orientation. People experiencing depression often have difficulties with concentration and retaining information due to cognitive impairment. Presenting them with detailed policies and procedures might increase their anxiety and hinder their ability to absorb the information effectively.

Choice C rationale:

Having the client attend group therapy immediately might not be the best approach for someone with severe depression upon admission. Group therapy could be beneficial later in the treatment process, but initially, the client might not be emotionally ready to engage in group interactions. It's essential to establish a one-on-one therapeutic relationship and provide a stable environment before introducing them to group settings.

Choice D rationale:

Taking the client on a tour of the unit and introducing them to all the staff members on duty might be overwhelming and anxiety-inducing for someone with severe depression. It's crucial to approach the client with sensitivity and respect their emotional state. Introducing them to multiple staff members might increase their social anxiety and make them feel exposed, leading to further distress.