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Family and Caregiver Support
Family and Caregiver Support ( 5 Questions)
A nurse is assessing a client who is a caregiver for his spouse with Alzheimer's disease. The nurse notices that the client has lost weight, appears fatigued, and reports feeling overwhelmed. What is the priority nursing intervention for this client?
Refer the client to a support group for caregivers. - This is an appropriate intervention, as support groups can provide emotional and social support, as well as information and resources, for caregivers. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.
Educate the client on the stages and progression of Alzheimer's disease. - This is an appropriate intervention, as education can help the client understand and cope with the challenges of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.
Arrange for respite care services for the client's spouse. - This is an appropriate intervention, as respite care can provide temporary relief and assistance for caregivers, allowing them to rest and attend to their own needs. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.
The client is showing signs of caregiver stress, which can lead to depression and increased risk of suicide. The priority nursing intervention is to assess the client's mental health status and provide appropriate referrals and interventions as needed.
Rationale: The client is showing signs of caregiver stress, which can lead to depression and increased risk of suicide. The priority nursing intervention is to assess the client's mental health status and provide appropriate referrals and interventions as needed.
Incorrect options:
A) Refer the client to a support group for caregivers. - This is an appropriate intervention, as support groups can provide emotional and social support, as well as information and resources, for caregivers. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.
B) Educate the client on the stages and progression of Alzheimer's disease. - This is an appropriate intervention, as education can help the client understand and cope with the challenges of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer's disease. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.
C) Arrange for respite care services for the client's spouse. - This is an appropriate intervention, as respite care can provide temporary relief and assistance for caregivers, allowing them to rest and attend to their own needs. However, this is not the priority intervention, as the client's mental health needs to be addressed first.