A nurse is caring for a client who has cardiomyopathy and is experiencing sensory overload. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

Choice A Reason:

Instructing the client to tilt their head back to facilitate swallowing is not appropriate. Tilting the head back can increase the risk of aspiration (food or liquid entering the airway) for individuals with dysphagia. Instead, the client should maintain an upright position while eating.

Choice B Reason:

Encouraging the client to use a straw is inappropriate. Using a straw might increase the risk of aspiration because it can bypass the control mechanisms involved in safe swallowing, especially for someone with swallowing difficulties.

Choice C Reason:

Providing oral care before meals is correct. Providing oral care before meals helps to ensure that the client's mouth is clean, reducing the risk of infections and improving taste perception, which can enhance the client's willingness and ability to eat.

Choice D Reason:

Schedule physical therapy directly before meals is incorrect. Scheduling physical therapy directly before meals might tire the client and impact their ability to eat. Fatigue can negatively affect swallowing ability, so it's generally better to allow some rest or recovery time before meals.

Choice A Reason:

Administering a prescribed oral dose of trazodone to the client is correct. Trazodone is sometimes used to manage agitation in patients with Alzheimer's disease, as it has calming effects and can help reduce agitation and anxiety. However, the use of any medication should be based on the client's individualized treatment plan and prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Choice B Reason:

Encouraging ambulation might not be suitable if the client is agitated, as it could potentially escalate the situation or increase the risk of falls or injury. Safety should be a priority, and ambulation might not be advisable during a state of agitation.

Choice C Reason:

Isolating the client in their room is incorrect. Isolating the client might increase feelings of confusion, fear, or distress, potentially worsening the agitation. It's important to engage and support the client rather than isolate them, which can be distressing for someone with Alzheimer's disease.

Choice D Reason:

Applying bilateral wrist restraints to the client is incorrect. The use of restraints should only be considered as a last resort when all other measures have failed and when there's an immediate risk of harm to the client or others. Restraints can be physically and psychologically harmful, leading to increased agitation, anxiety, and potential injury. They should be used only under strict guidelines and with proper authorization when all other interventions have been exhausted.