A nurse is providing teaching to the caretakers of a client who has Alzheimer's disease with mild cognitive decline. The client is beginning to experience sleep disturbances. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Give the client a cup of hot black tea before bed. Black tea contains caffeine, which is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep. Individuals with Alzheimer's disease are particularly sensitive to sleep disturbances, so avoiding caffeinated beverages before bedtime is recommended. B. Wake the client at the same time each morning. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule helps regulate the body’s internal clock and improves sleep quality. For individuals with Alzheimer's disease, a predictable routine reduces confusion and enhances overall well-being. C. Take the client for a walk 2 hr before bedtime each night. While daytime physical activity is beneficial for sleep, exercising too close to bedtime can be stimulating rather than relaxing, making it harder for the client to fall asleep. A morning or early afternoon walk would be more appropriate. D. Allow the client to take a 50 min nap immediately after lunch. Long or late naps can interfere with night-time sleep. If a nap is necessary, it should be brief (20–30 minutes) and earlier in the day to avoid disrupting the client’s sleep-wake cycle.