A nurse in the newborn nursery is providing care for four newborns. For which of the following events should the nurse plan to complete an incident report?

A) Administer PRN haloperidol IM to the client:

Administering haloperidol is not the first-line intervention for managing behavioral disturbances in clients with dementia, especially in response to acute agitation. While antipsychotic medications like haloperidol may be prescribed in some cases, they should be used judiciously due to the risk of adverse effects, particularly in elderly clients. Additionally, administering medication should not be the first action taken without attempting non-pharmacological interventions.

B) Engage the client in a repetitive activity as a distraction:

This is the most appropriate initial intervention when dealing with an agitated client with dementia. Engaging the client in a repetitive, calming activity can help redirect their focus and reduce agitation. Simple, familiar tasks or activities tailored to the client's preferences can be effective in providing comfort and reducing distress.

C) Apply wrist restraints to the client:

Using physical restraints should be avoided unless absolutely necessary for the safety of the client or others. Restraints can cause physical and psychological harm, increase agitation, and compromise the client's dignity and autonomy. Therefore, restraint use should be a last resort and implemented only after other interventions have been attempted and deemed ineffective or when there is an imminent risk of harm.

D) Place the client in a seclusion room:

Seclusion should not be used as an initial intervention for managing agitation in clients with dementia. Seclusion can exacerbate distress and increase feelings of isolation and fear, which may escalate agitation further. It should only be considered as a last resort for managing severe agitation or aggression when all other interventions have failed and there is a risk of harm to the client or others.

A) Administer liquids to the client using a syringe:

Administering liquids using a syringe may not address the underlying issue of food pocketing in the client's cheeks during meals. While syringe feeding may be necessary for clients with severe dysphagia, it does not address the need for comprehensive evaluation and intervention by a speech therapist.

B) Elevate the head of the client's bed to 45° during meals:

Elevating the head of the bed during meals is a standard intervention to help prevent aspiration in clients with dysphagia. While this intervention may be appropriate, it may not directly address the issue of food pocketing in the client's cheeks. Therefore, it is not the most comprehensive intervention for this specific problem.

C) Instruct the client to tilt their head back when swallowing:

Tilting the head back when swallowing is not a recommended intervention for clients with dysphagia. In fact, this maneuver can increase the risk of aspiration, as it can cause food or liquid to enter the airway. Therefore, this intervention would not be appropriate and could potentially exacerbate the client's swallowing difficulties.

D) Request a speech therapist consult from the provider:

This is the most appropriate intervention for addressing the client's dysphagia and food pocketing. Speech therapists are trained to assess and treat swallowing disorders, including pocketing of food in the cheeks. They can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the client's swallowing function and develop individualized interventions to address the underlying causes of dysphagia. Therefore, requesting a speech therapist consult is the most effective way to manage this issue and improve the client's swallowing safety and efficiency.