A home health nurse visits a client with stage 2 Alzheimer's disease who lives at home with a spouse. In order to meet the needs of the spouse, the nurse suggests which of the following?

Question

1. Making arrangements for the client to visit the local senior citizens center in the afternoon
2. Providing the client a list of daily activities to complete
3. Finding respite care to come into the home several days a week
4. Finding placement in a long-term care facility

Answer 1

3. Finding respite care to come into the home several days a week

Rationale:
Stage 2 clients generally are more confused, can demonstrate repetitive behavior, are less able to make simple decisions and to adapt to environmental changes, and are often unable to carry out activities of daily living. The spouse needs opportunities to have breaks from the demands of the client's care. Since the stage 2 client does not adapt well to changes in the environment, it would be best to have someone come into the home, rather than to have the client go out. An outing or a list of activities would be better suited for the client in stage 1. Recommending placement in long-term care might be premature, and is not up to the nurse.