A nurse in an acute care facility is admitting an older adult client diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The nurse notes that the client’s partner appears exhausted.
He states that he is finding it more and more difficult to care for his wife.
Which of the following interventions is the nurse’s priority?

Choice A rationale

Asking the partner to talk about his difficulties in caring for the client is the nurse’s priority. This intervention allows the nurse to assess the partner’s emotional state and provide appropriate support and resources.

Choice B rationale

Recommending that the partner place the client in a long-term care facility may not be the best initial intervention. The decision to place a loved one in a long-term care facility is complex and involves many factors. The nurse should first assess the partner’s needs and concerns before making such a recommendation.

Choice C rationale

Telling the partner to call a family meeting to get help may be a helpful suggestion, but it is not the nurse’s priority. The nurse should first assess the partner’s emotional state and needs before suggesting specific interventions.

Choice D rationale

Suggesting that the partner see a counselor to help him cope with his exhaustion may be a helpful intervention, but it is not the nurse’s priority. The nurse should first assess the partner’s emotional state and needs before suggesting specific interventions.