A nurse is caring for an older adult client who has dementia and whose family reports he gets up and wanders around at night. Which of the following actions should the nurse take?

A. Assist a client to eat who has difficulty seeing the foods on the tray.

Assisting a client with eating is a routine task that an AP can perform, especially when the client has difficulty with vision.

B. Provide postmortem care for a client who has died.

Postmortem care involves preparing the body of a deceased client. While it requires sensitivity, it is a task that can be appropriately delegated to assistive personnel.

C. Observe a confused surgical client who has multiple tubes.

Observing a confused client with multiple tubes requires a level of assessment and decision-making that goes beyond the scope of practice for an assistive personnel (AP). This task involves monitoring the client's condition, recognizing changes, and responding appropriately, which should be performed by a licensed nurse.

D. Deliver a client's urine specimen to the laboratory.

Transporting a urine specimen to the laboratory is a task that an assistive personnel can perform, as it does not involve interpretation or assessment of the specimen.

A. Keep the client's personal items within reach.Keeping the client's personal items within reach can provide a sense of familiarity and comfort, which may reduce anxiety or disorientation, thereby decreasing the tendency to wander.

Incorrect options:

B. "Tell the family that someone should plan to stay with the client.": While family involvement is important, this suggestion may not always be feasible. Additionally, it’s the nurse’s role to ensure the safety of the client within the facility.

C. "Place the client in a quiet room at the end of the hallway.": Isolating the client may increase confusion and feelings of disorientation.

D. "Provide bright lighting in the client's room at night.": Bright lights at night can disrupt sleep and may cause further disorientation. Dim or soft lighting or use of night lights in the room is generally more appropriate to promote restful sleep.