A nurse is providing teaching to family members of a client who has dementia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?

- A playpen is a portable enclosure that provides a confined space for a child to play in. It can be useful for keeping a child safe and supervised when the caregiver is busy or needs a break, but it should not be used as a substitute for active play or interaction with the caregiver or others.
- A 2-year-old child is in the developmental stage of toddlerhood, which is characterized by rapid physical, cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Toddlers are curious and eager to learn about the world around them, and they need opportunities to explore, experiment, and manipulate objects and materials. They also need stimulation, guidance, and feedback from their caregivers and peers to develop their language, problem-solving, and social skills.
- Keeping a 2-year-old child in a playpen for long periods of time or to prevent them from getting dirty can have negative effects on their development and well-being. It can limit their physical activity, creativity, and independence, and it can cause boredom, frustration, or resentment . It can also interfere with their atachment and bonding with their caregiver, as well as their self-esteem and self-image.
- Therefore, the practical nurse (PN) should use the statement "Children need time to actively explore their environment" in responding to this concern about using a playpen. This statement reflects the developmental needs and rights of the child, and it encourages the caregiver to provide a more stimulating and supportive environment for the child. It also implies that getting dirty is not a problem, but rather a natural and healthy part of play and learning.

- Therefore, option D is the correct answer, while options A, B, and C are incorrect. Option A is incorrect because it is judgmental and may offend or discourage the caregiver.
Option B is incorrect because it is not true that playpens provide a sense of security for the child, as they may feel isolated or restricted in them.
Option C is incorrect because it is not true that playpens provide a safe environment for a toddler, as they may pose hazards such as entrapment, suffocation, or injury from falling or climbing out of them.

A. Incorrect. Maintaining a flexible daily schedule for the child may increase their anxiety and confusion, as they may have difficulty adapting to changes in routine and expectations. The nurse should advise the parents to establish a consistent and structured schedule for the child, with clear rules and boundaries.

B. Correct. Using a reward system to modify the child's behavior is an effective strategy to reinforce positive behaviors and reduce negative ones. The nurse should help the parents identify specific and measurable goals for the child, and provide them with praise, tokens, or privileges when they achieve them.

C. Incorrect. Providing a variety of family members to care for the child may overwhelm them and impair their social skills development, as they may have difficulty forming attachments and communicating with different people. The nurse should encourage the parents to select one or two primary caregivers for the child, who can provide them with consistent and supportive interactions.

D. Incorrect. Administering alprazolam as needed to reduce the child's anxiety is not recommended, as it may cause adverse effects such as sedation, dependence, or withdrawal symptoms. The nurse should educate the parents about nonpharmacological interventions for anxiety, such as relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy, or social skills training.