A nurse is assisting with the care of a client who has dementia. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. This option is not appropriate for a client with acute delirium. Delirium is characterized by fluctuating levels of consciousness, attention, and cognition. High-stimulation environments, such as loud noises or bright lights, can exacerbate confusion and agitation in these clients. Therefore, providing a calm and quiet environment is crucial to help reduce symptoms of delirium.
B. Delirium can often be worsened during nighttime due to factors like disruption of sleep-wake cycles and disorientation in a new environment. Keeping the client's room dark at night helps to promote rest and reduce disturbances. However, this is not the most important intervention.

C. Family support and presence are typically beneficial for clients, even those with delirium. Family members can provide familiarity, comfort, and assistance in reorienting the client. Discouraging visitation would not be appropriate unless the family members are contributing to increased agitation or confusion. Instead, it's important to educate family members on how to interact with and support the client effectively.
D. Clients with delirium often experience impaired cognition, making decision-making challenging for them. Limiting the client's need to make decisions can help reduce their stress and frustration. It's important for the nurse to simplify choices when possible and provide guidance and support as needed. This approach can help alleviate cognitive load and improve the client's ability to cope.

A. This response encourages the client to express their feelings and memories about their relationship with their deceased partner. It allows the client to talk about their emotions, reminisce about positive memories, and potentially share any unresolved issues or feelings of loss. This can be therapeutic as it provides an opportunity for the client to process their grief through storytelling and expression.
B. This response shifts the focus from the client's experience to the nurse's own experience. It can detract from the client's need to talk about their own feelings and may not be perceived as empathetic. While sharing personal experiences can sometimes create rapport, in this context, it may not be the most therapeutic approach as it might minimize the client's unique experience and emotions.
C. This response assumes a directive approach, suggesting what the client "should" do. While encouraging a return to routine activities can be beneficial in some cases, it may not be appropriate immediately after a significant loss. Grieving is a personal process, and the client may not be ready to engage in usual activities right away. It's important to assess the client's readiness and provide support tailored to their current emotional state.
D. This response minimizes the client's feelings by suggesting that their experience is universal. While it's true that many people experience sadness and grief after a loss, each individual's response is unique. This statement may invalidate the client's emotions and fail to acknowledge the depth of their distress. It's important to validate the client's feelings and provide reassurance that their emotions are normal in the context of grief.