A nurse is teaching the family of an older adult client who has a new diagnosis of dementia. Which of the following statements should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A Rationale: Asking the spouse what she knows about dementia care options is a good starting point to assess her knowledge and provide information and resources, and empowering her to make informed decisions.

Choice B Rationale: Suggesting placement into a long-term care facility should not be the first option but can be explored if necessary, based on the client's condition and the caregiver's needs.

Choice C Rationale: Teaching the spouse about adult day care as a possible respite is a way of offering support and relief for the caregiver, who may experience stress and burnout from the constant demands of caring for a patient with AD.

Choice D Rationale: Suggesting that the spouse consult with the physician for antianxiety drugs is not helpful, as it may imply that the spouse's feelings are abnormal or that she needs medication to cope.

Choice E Rationale: Offering ideas for ways to distract or redirect the patient is not relevant to the spouse's needs, as it does not address her exhaustion and worry.

Choice A Rationale: Tetanus does not affect only the spinal cord; it is a systemic bacterial infection that affects the nervous system and muscles.

Choice B Rationale: Manifestations of tetanus can include sustained muscle contractions, which result in muscle stiffness and spasms.

Choice C Rationale: Tetanus is not caused by a recent viral infection; it is caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani.

Choice D Rationale: While tetanus can result from contaminated wounds, it is not typically associated with improperly processed foods. It is caused by the spores of the Clostridium tetani bacterium.

Choice E Rationale: Tetanus spores are commonly found in soil, gardens, and manure. Contaminated wounds, especially puncture wounds, are a common route of transmission for the spores.