A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home management with the partner of a client who has dementia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
A. "Give the client several choices of foods for meals.": Offering too many options can overwhelm a client with dementia and increase confusion or frustration. Simplifying choices is more effective in promoting cooperation and reducing anxiety. B. "Increase environmental stimuli.": Excessive stimuli, such as noise, clutter, or bright lights, can exacerbate confusion, agitation, and disorientation in clients with dementia. A calm, structured environment is recommended. C. "Avoid making eye contact with the client.": Eye contact supports communication, reassurance, and trust. Avoiding it can increase feelings of isolation, fear, or misunderstanding. D. "Label the door to the bathroom with a symbol.": Visual cues, such as labeling rooms with familiar symbols, help clients with dementia navigate their environment independently. This strategy supports safety, orientation, and functional autonomy at home.