A nurse is caring for a client who has Alzheimer's disease. Which of the following actions by the nurse demonstrates client advocacy?

Nursing care for a client with Alzheimer's disease focuses on maintaining dignity, promoting autonomy, and supporting remaining cognitive and social functioning. As the disease progresses, clients experience memory impairment, disorientation, and decreased ability to perform activities of daily living. Client advocacy in this context involves promoting independence, preserving identity, and ensuring the client is supported in meaningful engagement rather than being overly restricted. Interventions should balance safety with opportunities for stimulation and interaction. Rationale: A. Placing a 30-day calendar in the client’s room supports orientation and cognitive support but does not directly reflect client advocacy. It is an environmental adaptation aimed at reducing confusion rather than actively promoting the client’s rights or participation. While helpful, it is more of a supportive cognitive intervention than an advocacy action. B. Administering a nighttime sedative is not considered advocacy because it may unnecessarily restrict the client’s autonomy and could worsen confusion or increase fall risk. Sedatives are sometimes used cautiously for severe agitation or sleep disturbances, but routine use can lead to over-sedation and decreased cognitive function. Advocacy prioritizes non-pharmacologic approaches whenever possible. C. Encouraging the client to participate in small group activities demonstrates advocacy by promoting social engagement, dignity, and preservation of remaining abilities. Social interaction helps reduce isolation, supports cognitive stimulation, and maintains a sense of identity and belonging. This action supports the client’s right to participate in meaningful activities despite cognitive decline. D. Providing multiple choices for food selection may overwhelm a client with Alzheimer’s disease due to impaired decision-making ability. While promoting autonomy is important, too many choices can increase confusion and anxiety. Advocacy in this population involves simplifying decisions rather than increasing complexity.