A patient with stage 2 Alzheimer disease becomes very agitated in the evenings. What would be an appropriate nursing intervention for the nurse to use for this patient?
1. playing soft music in the patient's room
2. use of anti-anxiety medications or tranquilizers
3. moving the patient to an area of activity to provide distraction
4. recommending the patient be moved to a more secure environment
Correct Answer: 1
The use of music is considered an alternative therapy helpful in the treatment of Alzheimer disease. Though the use of anti-anxiety agents and tranquilizers might be helpful, this is not a true nursing intervention. Patients with Alzheimer disease should be removed from situations that are causing increased anxiety, such as noisy activities involving large groups. High-stimulus situations may increase anxious feelings and agitation. If the patient were not a danger to him- or herself or others, there would be no indication that a more secure environment would be the best intervention.
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