A nurse is providing short-term home care for an elderly client with depression. What should the nurse suggest that a caregiver do when taking respite from caring for the client?

Question

A) Participate in recreational activities every day.
B) Eat a large breakfast with a smaller lunch and dinner.
C) Avoid sleeping during the day or taking short naps.
D) Instruct client's friends to avoid visits during home care.

Answer 1

A
Feedback:
A nurse assisting a caregiver in taking respite from daily activities should assist the caregiver to plan and participate in recreational activities daily. This helps in managing stress from daily activities. A nurse should teach the caregiver to take small, frequent meals every day to maintain constant energy rather than suggesting that the caregiver eat a large breakfast with a smaller lunch and dinner. The caregiver should be told to relax and take naps at regular intervals to relieve the stress and strain of providing constant care for the client. The caregiver should avoid sleeping only during the night. A caregiver should encourage the client's friends or his or her own friends to visit their home, because it provides a break for the caregiver and also helps the client to overcome depression.