The nurse on the inpatient memory care unit is caring for a client with Alzheimer’s who exhibits wandering behavior. The 24-hour observer calls the nurse to report that the client left the unit. It would be most appropriate for the nurse to take which of the following actions?
notify security along with a description of the client
ask the observer in what direction the client headed
ask other staff on the unit to assist in finding the client
Number 3 is correct.
To locate the client, the nurse must first determine the direction the client went. The observer is most likely to know which path the client took. Notifying family members can wait until the client is located. Security may not be readily available. Staff will first need to know the direction the client took in order to assist in recovery.
