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:
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.

Choice A Reason:

Assisting the client to the restroom 30 minutes after meals is correct recommendation. This intervention aligns with the natural response of the gastrocolic reflex, which often leads to increased colonic motility after eating. Timing the restroom visit to this period can take advantage of the body's natural tendency to have a bowel movement after meals, potentially aiding in achieving bowel continence.

Choice B Reason:

Limiting the client's physical activity until bowel continence is achieved is not appropriate. Physical activity can actually stimulate bowel function and regularity. Moderate physical activity, as appropriate for the client's condition, can promote regular bowel movements. Restricting physical activity might hinder the overall success of bowel training.

Choice C Reason:

Limiting the client's fluid intake to 1500 mL/dayis not appropriate. Adequate hydration is crucial for bowel health and regularity. Limiting fluid intake could lead to dehydration and constipation, which can exacerbate fecal incontinence. It's important to encourage adequate hydration unless there are specific medical reasons to restrict fluids.

Choice D Reason:

Instructing the client to limit their intake of high-fiber foods is incorrect. High-fiber foods are beneficial for bowel regularity and can help manage fecal incontinence by promoting healthy bowel movements. Limiting high-fiber foods could potentially lead to constipation or exacerbate the issue of fecal incontinence.