A nurse in the Emergency Department is caring for a client with symptoms of depression and admits to thoughts of self-harm with a plan. The client has a history of borderline personality disorder, depression, and substance abuse. Which of the following is the priority action by the nurse?

The correct answer is choice B. A room containing personal belongings.

Choice A rationale:

Similar to the rationale provided for , a room without a window would not provide the necessary sensory input and connection to the outside world. Natural light and visual stimuli are important for maintaining a sense of time and orientation.

Choice B rationale:

A room containing personal belongings is the correct answer for the same reasons as mentioned in the previous question. Familiar items can provide comfort and reduce feelings of agitation in cognitively impaired individuals.

Choice C rationale:

Once again, a room adjacent to the nursing station could expose the client to unnecessary noise and activity, potentially causing distress and hindering the therapeutic environment required for cognitively impaired individuals.

Choice D rationale:

Dim lighting can contribute to disorientation and confusion. Adequate lighting helps individuals perceive their surroundings and reduces the risk of accidents.

Choice A rationale:

The nurse should prioritize the safety and well-being of both clients involved. Assisting the client with late-stage Alzheimer's disease to the correct room is important to prevent any further confusion or distress. Alzheimer's disease often causes cognitive impairment, memory loss, and disorientation, which can lead to situations where the individual may not recognize their surroundings or the people around them. Guiding the client back to their own room will help reduce confusion, agitation, and potential conflicts with other clients.

Choice B rationale:

Medicating the patient with antipsychotics is not the most appropriate initial action in this situation. Antipsychotic medications are often used to manage severe behavioral disturbances associated with conditions like schizophrenia or dementia, but their use should be carefully considered due to potential side effects. In this scenario, addressing the immediate situation and guiding the client back to their room is more appropriate than resorting to medication.

Choice C rationale:

Moving the client to a room at the end of the hall is not the best choice because it doesn't directly address the current situation. While changing the client's room might be considered in some cases to reduce agitation or wandering, it's not the immediate action needed when the client is found in another client's bed. Guiding the client to the correct room is the priority.

Choice D rationale:

Placing the client in restraints is not an appropriate choice in this situation. Restraints should only be used as a last resort for ensuring the safety of the client or others when less restrictive interventions have failed. Placing a client with Alzheimer's disease in restraints can be traumatic and lead to increased agitation and psychological distress.