Question

At night, an elderly client with senile dementia wanders into other clients' rooms, awakening them. What is the best nursing intervention for dealing with this client's insomnia and nocturnal roaming?

A. Administer a benzodiazepine at bedtime as ordered.
B. Administer a low-dose antipsychotic at bedtime as ordered.
C. Administer a barbiturate at bedtime as ordered.
D. Lock the client's door at bedtime.

Answer 1

To address a dementia patient's nocturnal roaming, safe environmental adjustments and behavioral strategies should be prioritized over medications like benzodiazepines, which carry risks of dependency and side effects. Locking the client's door is not advisable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best nursing intervention for dealing with an elderly client with senile dementia who wanders at night would be to consider non-pharmacological approaches first, such as ensuring a safe environment and implementing behavioural strategies like cognitive-behavioural therapy. Pharmacological treatments like benzodiazepines and antipsychotics should be used with caution due to dependency risks and potential side effects. Contrary to locking the client’s door, which may be unsafe and unethical, interventions should aim to reduce insomnia and nocturnal roaming while maintaining the client’s dignity and safety.