Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

What intervention should be included in the care plan for an older adult with Alzheimer disease who exhibits nighttime wandering?

1. Assign the client a private room

2. Ensure the client has a nightlight

3. Assign the client to a room near the nurses' station

4. Provide calming music before bedtime

The correct answer is: Assign the client to a room near the nurses' station

The choice to assign the client to a room near the nurses' station serves multiple beneficial purposes for an older adult with Alzheimer's disease who exhibits nighttime wandering. Placing the individual in close proximity to the nurses' station increases the likelihood of staff being readily available to monitor the patient. This close supervision can help prevent wandering, as the staff can intervene if the individual attempts to leave the room during nighttime hours. Additionally, being near the nurses’ station often means that the environment is more controlled and safer, reducing potential risks associated with wandering in an unfamiliar or poorly monitored area. The presence of staff can also provide reassurance to the individual, which may help decrease feelings of anxiety or disorientation that commonly accompany Alzheimer's disease, especially during the night. While options like ensuring the client has a nightlight or providing calming music might help create a more comfortable nighttime environment, these interventions may not directly address the core issue of wandering in the same way that increasing staff visibility and availability can.