The spouse of a client diagnosed with Stage I/II Alzheimer’s disease m

The spouse of a client diagnosed with Stage I/II Alzheimer’s disease must continue to work full-time.

The spouse tells the occupational health nurse that the client has started to wander outside the house, forgets to turn off the stove after preparing food, and tries to drive the car if the client finds the keys. The nurse should recommend which of the following?
1. Long-term care placement for the client
2. That the spouse should consider early retirement
3. Placing the client in an adult day-care environment
4. Considering increasing the client’s medications to slow the progress of the disease

ANSWER

Correct Answer: 3
Rationale 1: Placing a client from an independent home situation to long-term care would be more detrimental than a gradual progression of care.
Rationale 2: Telling the spouse to consider early retirement is neither therapeutic nor realistic.
Rationale 3: Day-care centers provide care and nutrition for adults who cannot be left at home alone but do not need to be in an institution. These centers often provide care involving socializing, exercise programs, and stimulation. Some provide counseling and physical therapy. Nurses who are employed in day-care centers may provide medications, treatment, and counseling.
Rationale 4: Increasing medications is a decision that needs to be made by the client’s primary caregiver, not the nurse nor does it address the spouse’s concerns regarding care.