The nurse is caring for a client with dementia who tends to wander. Which of the following actions can help with this behavior? Select all that apply.

  • providing frequent toileting or incontinence care as needed
  • assessing client for pain and treat with appropriate medications
  • reorienting the client and use validation therapy, as appropriate
  • allowing the client to sit in a recliner at the nurses’ station for close monitoring
  • using chemical or physical restraints to prevent the client from exiting the bed
Numbers 1, 2, and 3 are correct.
Offering frequent toileting or incontinence care can prevent client wandering in search of the bathroom. All clients should be assessed for pain per agency protocols and treated with appropriate medications to prevent wandering to the nurses’ station or other areas in search of pain medications. Reorientation therapy and validation can help reorient the client and reduce wandering. While the client may remain in an area where she can be closely monitored, it is not appropriate for the client to remain at the nurses’ station due to HIPPA and privacy concerns. Chemical or physical restraints should never be used for the nurse’s convenience and may increase agitation and the propensity to wander.