A nurse is providing teaching to a client who is newly diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following treatment options should the nurse include in the teaching?

Choice A reason: Telling a client that their experience is not real can be invalidating and may damage the therapeutic relationship between the nurse and the client. It is essential to acknowledge the client's experience as real to them and provide support without reinforcing the hallucination.

Choice B reason: While it is important not to reinforce hallucinations, avoiding direct questions about the client's experience can hinder the nurse's ability to assess the client's condition fully. It is better to ask open-ended questions that allow the client to describe their experience without feeling judged.

Choice C reason: Focusing the client on reality-based activities can help distract them from the hallucinations and ground them in the present moment. Activities such as listening to music, engaging in conversation, or participating in a physical activity can help reduce the intensity of hallucinations and provide a sense of control.

Choice D reason: Conveying sympathy for the client's experience is compassionate and can help build trust. However, it is crucial to balance empathy with encouragement to engage in reality-based activities and strategies to manage the hallucinations effectively.

Choice A reason: This response is appropriate because it respects the client's autonomy and comfort level. It is essential to acknowledge the client's feelings and preferences, especially when dealing with mental health issues like panic disorder. Massage therapy, while beneficial for some, may not be suitable for everyone, particularly if the idea of being touched exacerbates the client's anxiety. By offering to communicate the client's concerns to the provider, the nurse acts as an advocate for the client's well-being and ensures that the treatment plan is tailored to the client's specific needs and comfort.

Choice B reason: While this option might seem like a compromise, it does not address the client's fundamental discomfort with being touched. Wearing gloves may not alleviate the distress associated with physical contact for someone with panic disorder. It is crucial to consider the client's psychological state and the potential for gloves to serve as a reminder of the unwanted touch, possibly leading to increased anxiety rather than relief.

Choice C reason: Asking the client to explain their discomfort could be seen as dismissive of the client's stated boundaries and may put them in an uncomfortable position to justify their feelings. It is important for healthcare professionals to create a safe and supportive environment where clients do not feel pressured to defend their preferences or feelings, especially when they are already experiencing distress.

Choice D reason: This choice minimizes the client's concerns and could be perceived as invalidating their feelings. Telling a client not to worry about their anxiety, particularly in the context of a panic disorder, overlooks the complexity of the condition. Anxiety disorders can significantly impact a person's life, and reassurances like this may not be helpful and could potentially worsen the client's anxiety.