A nurse in a long-term care facility is providing care for a client who has Alzheimer's disease and is agitated. Which of the following interventions should the nurse implement?

The scenario involves managing acute agitation in a client with dementia. Knowledge of behavioral interventions, de-escalation techniques, and safe long-term care nursing practices must be applied to select the least restrictive, most effective therapeutic response. Choice A rationale Isolation increases anxiety, sensory deprivation, and confusion in dementia clients, frequently worsening agitation. It violates basic psychiatric nursing principles that emphasize environmental modification and supportive human contact over social containment. Choice B rationale Physical restraints increase agitation, elevate injury risks, and violate the legal requirement to use the least restrictive environment. Restraints are non-therapeutic interventions restricted to imminent physical danger scenarios. Choice C rationale Physical activity like ambulation safely redirects restless energy, lowers cortisol levels, and reduces agitation. Having a staff member accompany the client ensures safety, provides comforting companionship, and prevents wandering injuries. Choice D rationale Pharmacological interventions should be utilized only after non-pharmacological strategies fail. Administering sedatives or antidepressants immediately increases fall risks, exhibits adverse drug effects, and represents a chemically restrictive practice.