Which intervention is appropriate for an older adult with Alzheimer disease who exhibits nighttime wandering?

Assigning the client to a room near the nurses' station is an appropriate intervention for an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease who exhibits nighttime wandering. This strategy enhances safety by ensuring that the patient is within easy view and auditory range of nursing staff, who can monitor their movements more closely. Proximity to the nurses’ station allows for timely intervention should the patient begin to wander at night, minimizing the risk of wandering into unsafe areas and reducing potential harm.

Furthermore, this approach aligns with person-centered care, which emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment for individuals with dementia. Rather than restricting freedom of movement or relying on medications, this solution encourages safety through increased supervision and monitoring, which can also provide reassurance for family members.

Other interventions like restraints or sedatives can lead to negative outcomes, such as increased agitation, physical discomfort, or a loss of dignity for the patient. Providing a companion can be beneficial, but in a clinical setting, the immediate safety offered by close monitoring from nursing staff is often prioritized.