PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 Related

Review PN Adult Medical Surgical 2023 related questions and content

A nurse in a long-term care facility is assisting with the plan of care for a client who has late-stage Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following actions should the nurse include in the plan of care?

  • A. Turn the client every 2 hr to prevent pressure ulcers.
  • B. Place a mirror in the client's room for reality orientation.
  • C. Offer the client written instructions for performing oral hygiene.
  • D. Ask the client open-ended questions to encourage conversation.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Late-stage Alzheimer's impairs mobility and cognition, increasing pressure ulcer risk from prolonged immobility. Turning the client every 2 hours redistributes pressure, maintains skin integrity, and aligns with evidence-based prevention (e.g., Braden Scale interventions). A mirror for reality orientation is ineffective late-stage patients lack recognition, and it may cause distress. Written instructions are useless due to severe cognitive decline; simplified, hands-on guidance is better for tasks like oral hygiene. Open-ended questions frustrate clients unable to process or respond, whereas yes/no prompts suit their capacity. Regular repositioning addresses a physical priority, prevents costly complications like infections or surgery, and supports dignity in care, making it the essential action for this vulnerable population.