A nurse is providing care for a client who has delirium in the intensive care unit. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement first to prevent client injury?

A. Administer acetaminophen by mouth for pain control: While pain management is important, it is not the priority intervention in this situation. Administering acetaminophen for pain control can be done after the client's condition has been assessed and any potential serious injuries, such as head trauma, have been addressed.

B. Perform a thorough health history: Obtaining a health history is essential for understanding the client's baseline health status and any pre-existing conditions that may affect their current condition. However, in the acute phase following a traumatic fall, the priority is to assess and manage any potential life-threatening injuries.

C. Prepare for a STAT non-contrast CT scan: This is the correct answer. In cases of traumatic falls, particularly when there is concern for head injury or intracranial bleeding, obtaining a non-contrast CT scan of the head is a priority. This imaging study helps identify any intracranial injuries such as hemorrhage or skull fractures, allowing for prompt intervention if necessary.

D. Insert an indwelling urinary catheter to monitor urine output: Monitoring urine output is important for assessing renal function, but it is not the priority intervention in the immediate aftermath of a traumatic fall. The focus initially should be on assessing and managing potential life-threatening injuries, particularly those related to head trauma.

A. Relocation stress syndrome: Relocation stress syndrome refers to the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by individuals when they are moved from one environment to another, such as transitioning to a new residence or healthcare facility. While relocation stress syndrome can cause agitation and confusion in individuals with Alzheimer's disease, the scenario provided does not indicate a recent relocation.

B. Wandering: Wandering is a common behavior observed in individuals with dementia, where they aimlessly roam or wander in their environment. While wandering may be associated with agitation and restlessness, the scenario does not describe the client physically moving around or attempting to leave their home.

C. Sundowning: Sundowning refers to a phenomenon commonly observed in individuals with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, where they experience increased agitation, confusion, and restlessness in the late afternoon or early evening hours. Sundowning behaviors can include pacing, agitation, anxiety, irritability, confusion, and difficulty sleeping. The exact cause of sundowning is not fully understood but may be related to factors such as fatigue, sensory overload, hormonal imbalances, or disruptions in the sleep-wake cycle. Managing sundowning behaviors often involves creating a calming environment, maintaining a consistent daily routine, minimizing stimuli in the evening, and providing reassurance and comfort to the individual.

D. Depression: Depression can occur in individuals with Alzheimer's disease and may present with symptoms such as sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite or sleep patterns, and difficulty concentrating. However, the scenario primarily describes agitation and restlessness in the evening hours, which is characteristic of sundowning rather than depression.