A female client with Alzheimer's disease develops edema in both ankles. The healthcare provider examines the client and determines she is in relatively good health with no cardiac or renal health problems. Which action should the practical nurse (PN) take?

A. Address the client to determine his needs: The most appropriate intervention is to calmly approach the resident, assess his orientation, and determine what he needs. Older adults may wander due to confusion, discomfort, or unmet needs such as hunger, toileting, or pain.

B. Administer a nighttime sedative: Sedatives should not be given without a clear medical indication or provider order, as they increase the risk of falls, confusion, and dependency in older adults. Medication is not the first-line approach for managing nighttime wandering.

C. Bring the client to sit in the nursing station: Bringing the resident to the nursing station may offer temporary supervision but does not address the underlying reason for wandering. It may also cause disorientation or agitation if the environment is bright or noisy.

D. Direct the client to go back to bed: Simply instructing the resident to return to bed may be ineffective and distressing if he is confused or restless. A calm, needs-based approach that prioritizes understanding the cause of the behavior is safer and more therapeutic.

A. Observe the progression of the seizure: Monitoring the duration, type of movements, and body areas involved provides essential information for evaluating the seizure and planning treatment. Accurate observation helps guide postictal assessment and physician reporting.

B. Hold the extremities close to the body: Restricting movement during a seizure can cause musculoskeletal injury or increase agitation. The PN should instead ensure the child’s safety by allowing free movement within a protected area.

C. Pad the side rails with pillows: Padding the side rails prevents injury from hitting hard surfaces during convulsions. It is a standard safety measure when caring for clients at risk for seizures.

D. Insert a tongue blade between the teeth: Forcing any object into the mouth during a seizure can cause oral trauma, broken teeth, or airway obstruction. Nothing should be inserted into the child’s mouth while seizing.

E. Loosen clothing around the neck: Loosening tight clothing helps maintain airway patency and reduces the risk of restricted breathing during seizure activity.