It is night time and a client who suffers from dementia is agitated and is having difficulty staying in his bed. Which of the following actions should the nurse take first?

Choice A Reason: This is correct because eating frequent small meals can help the client with IBS to avoid overloading the digestive system and triggering diarrhea. The nurse should advise the client to eat slowly and chew well, and avoid foods that are spicy, fatty, or gas-producing.

Choice B Reason: This is incorrect because increasing the intake of leafy greens and other sources of dietary fiber can worsen diarrhea by increasing stool bulk and motility. The nurse should advise the client to limit or avoid high-fiber foods, such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, during acute flare-ups of IBS. The client can gradually reintroduce fiber when the symptoms subside.

Choice C Reason: This is correct because increasing fluids can help the client with IBS to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by diarrhea. The nurse should advise the client to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day and avoid caffeinated, alcoholic, or carbonated beverages that can irritate the bowel or cause gas.

Choice D Reason: This is correct because taking prescribed medications on schedule can help the client with IBS to regulate bowel patterns and reduce diarrhea. The nurse should instruct the client on how to use medications, such as antidiarrheals, antispasmodics, or probiotics, as ordered by the provider. The nurse should also monitor the client for any adverse effects or interactions of the medications.

Choice A Reason: This is a correct choice. Trying to avoid scratching is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it prevents further damage and infection of the skin. Scratching can break the skin barrier and introduce bacteria or fungi into the wound, leading to inflammation and complications.

Choice B Reason: This is a correct choice. Applying a moist cool compress is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it soothes and relieves itching and swelling. A moist cool compress can reduce inflammation and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms.

Choice C Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using alcohol to cleanse the area is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it irritates and dries out the skin. Alcohol can strip away the natural oils and moisture from the skin, making it more prone to cracking and itching.

Choice D Reason: This is an incorrect choice. Using a wooden stick to scratch lesions is not an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it causes more harm than good. A wooden stick can injure or infect the skin, as well as spread the allergen or irritant to other areas.

Choice E Reason: This is a correct choice. Avoiding hot air is an advice that the nurse will provide to the client, as it aggravates itching and inflammation. Hot air can increase blood flow and histamine release, which are responsible for allergic symptoms. The client should also avoid hot water or showers, as they can have the same effect.