A Patient Who Is Disoriented, Debilitated, And/or Elderly May Be

A patient who is disoriented, debilitated, and/or elderly may be unable to drink an adequate amount of fluids to prevent dehydration, thus increasing the risk for constipation. To help prevent constipation, a nurse will

A) Call the physician and get an order for intravenous (IV) therapy.
B) Call a family member and ask if someone can stay with the patient and offer fluids.
C) Enlist the help of the nurse aide or unlicensed assistive personnel to offer sips of fluids every 20 minutes.
D) Force an extra glass of fluid on the patient with meals.