A client has been in the intensive care unit for 4 days and has begun

A client has been in the intensive care unit for 4 days and has begun to show signs of restlessness and anxiety, and the nurse believes the client is experiencing sensory overload.

Which of the following interventions will be most therapeutic in assisting the client?
1. Limiting interaction with the client to the safe minimum
2. Moving the client to a space furthest from the nursing station
3. Keeping the client’s lights dimmed and curtains partially drawn
4. Asking the client’s health care provider to consider early discharge to the unit

ANSWER

ANS: 3
Constant reorientation and control of excessive stimuli becomes an important part of the client’s care. Although the remaining options may have value, they are not the most therapeutic because external stimulation is the most likely cause of the problem.