A nurse is caring for a client who is being treated for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The client states, "I'm not able to fall asleep easily or stay asleep." Which of the following recommendations should the nurse make?

Choice A reason: Initiating hospice care services is generally considered when the client is in the final stages of Alzheimer's disease and has a life expectancy of 6 months or less. Hospice care focuses on comfort and quality of life, rather than curative treatments. It's an option when the disease has significantly progressed, not typically at the time of initial diagnosis.

Choice B reason: Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain and is being studied as a potential treatment for improving cognitive status in Alzheimer's patients. However, it is not yet a standard treatment and is considered experimental.

Choice C reason: Barbiturate medications are not typically used to control anxiety in Alzheimer's patients due to the risk of dependency and the potential to worsen cognitive impairment. Other medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are generally preferred for managing anxiety in these patients⁷.

Choice D reason: NMDA receptor antagonists, such as memantine, are medications that can help delay cognitive symptoms in patients with moderate to severe Alzheimer's disease. They work by regulating the activity of glutamate, a neurotransmitter involved in learning and memory, which may be overactive in Alzheimer's disease.

Choice A reason: While discussing the client's diagnosis with their family could be part of the care process, it does not address the client's immediate concern about the quality of care they are receiving. This response does not validate the client's feelings or provide an opportunity for them to elaborate on their concerns.

Choice B reason: Telling the client that their feelings are part of anticipatory grieving may be true, but it can come across as dismissive and does not offer support for the specific issue the client has raised about the quality of care.

Choice C reason: Assuring the client that the nurses are trying to provide good care does not acknowledge the client's perception of inadequate care. It's important to validate the client's feelings and understand their perspective before offering reassurances.

Choice D reason: Asking the client to elaborate on their concerns shows empathy and a willingness to listen. It allows the nurse to gather more information about the client's experience and identify specific areas that may need improvement in the care provided.