A nurse is caring for a client who is in active labor.
The nurse should notify the provider for which of the following findings?

The correct answer is: b. A room containing personal belongings.

Choice A rationale: A room without a window may lead to disorientation and a lack of natural light, which can disrupt the client's circadian rhythm, contributing to sleep disturbances and mood alterations. Adequate exposure to natural light helps regulate the body's internal clock and promotes a sense of well-being. Furthermore, natural light exposure has been linked to improved cognitive function and mood stability in individuals with cognitive impairments. Therefore, choosing a room with a window is essential for optimizing the client's therapeutic environment.

Choice B rationale: A room containing personal belongings is crucial for creating a therapeutic environment for a cognitively impaired client. Familiar items provide a sense of security and continuity, reducing anxiety and agitation. These belongings serve as anchors to the client's past experiences and identity, facilitating reminiscence therapy and promoting emotional connection. By surrounding the client with familiar objects, the nurse fosters a sense of autonomy and self-expression, empowering the client to engage in meaningful activities and maintain a sense of personal agency.

Choice C rationale: While proximity to the nursing station may facilitate monitoring and prompt intervention in case of emergencies, a room adjacent to the nursing station can also expose the client to constant noise and disruptions. Excessive auditory stimuli can overwhelm a cognitively impaired individual, leading to sensory overload and exacerbating confusion and disorientation. Moreover, the lack of privacy in such a location may compromise the client's dignity and autonomy, hindering their ability to engage in personal activities and interactions. Therefore, placing the client in a quieter, more secluded environment away from the nursing station is preferable for promoting a therapeutic atmosphere conducive to rest and relaxation.

Choice D rationale: Dim lighting poses significant risks for cognitively impaired clients, as it impairs visual perception and increases the likelihood of accidents and falls. Inadequate lighting compromises safety by obscuring obstacles and hazards in the environment, heightening the risk of injuries and fractures. Additionally, dimly lit spaces can exacerbate feelings of fear and anxiety, particularly in individuals with cognitive impairments who may already experience sensory processing difficulties. Bright lighting, on the other hand, enhances visibility and spatial orientation, promoting independence and confidence in daily activities. Therefore, ensuring sufficient illumination in the client's room is essential for mitigating safety hazards and optimizing their overall well-being.

Choice A rationale:

An altered level of consciousness is a common finding in clients with Alzheimer's disease. This may range from mild confusion to severe cognitive impairment. It is caused by the degeneration of brain cells and affects memory, thinking, and behavior.

Choice B rationale:

Rapid mood swings are not specific to Alzheimer's disease. While mood changes can occur, they are not typically characterized by rapid swings. Mood disturbances may include depression, apathy, or irritability, but these symptoms are not unique to Alzheimer's disease.

Choice C rationale:

Excessive motor activity is not a typical finding in clients with Alzheimer's disease. Instead, clients often experience a decline in motor skills and coordination as the disease progresses. Restlessness or agitation might occur, but excessive motor activity is not a characteristic feature.

Choice D rationale:

Failure to recognize familiar objects, people, or places is a common symptom of Alzheimer's disease. This is due to the damage and loss of nerve cells in the brain. As the disease advances, clients may have difficulty recognizing even close family members or their own reflection in the mirror.