After a client with Alzheimer disease is found wandering in the middle of the street at 3:00 AM and returned by police, the community health nurse teaches family members about measures to keep the client safe at home. What is the most important strategy for the nurse to include in the instruction?

Question

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Individuals with dementia may wander and become lost during any stage of the disease. The most effective strategy to prevent wandering is to make modifications to secure the environment. These include: Placing locks above or below eye level on doors that lead to the outside. Clients with Alzheimer disease (AD) lose their peripheral vision; they cannot see objects unless they are directly in front of them or they purposely move their heads (Option C). Adding a motion sensor or alarm that goes off when someone tries to exit Placing a large stop sign on door exits Disguising a door with a curtain or wall hanging Using childproof doorknob covers Placing a black mat or black strip by an exit. The client may perceive this as an impassable black hole due to changes in depth perception. (Option A) Clients with AD should not be left alone; however, it is impossible for any caregiver to watch another person every minute of the day. Clients with AD can walk out of their homes while family members are sleeping. (Option B) Notifying neighbors can be helpful if the client leaves the residence but will not prevent wandering. (Option D) Safe return or identification bracelets are important, but they will not prevent wandering. A bracelet should be placed on the dominant hand to minimize the chance of removal. Educational objective: The most effective strategy to prevent clients with dementia from wandering is to make modifications to secure their environment. These include installing locks above or below eye level on doors, hiding exits with wall hangings or curtains, placing a black mat in front of exits, and using doorknob covers, motion detectors, and alarms.

After a Client with Alzheimer Disease Is Found Wandering in the Middle