AIDS-associated dementia and confusion: which action should the nurse take?

• A. Restrain the patient
• B. Apply bed alarm to client's bed
• C. Administer sedatives
• D. Increase stimuli

Answer: (B)

Safety for a confused patient with AIDS-associated dementia centers on preventing harm from wandering or attempting to leave the bed. The best nursing action is to use a bed alarm. It provides an immediate alert to staff if the patient tries to rise, allowing prompt assistance to prevent falls or injury while keeping the patient in a safer environment and preserving some autonomy. Restraints are avoided because they can cause physical and psychological harm and may worsen delirium. Sedatives are risky in this population, as they can depress respiration, worsen confusion, and lead to oversedation. Increasing sensory stimuli can heighten agitation and disorientation. Therefore, a bed alarm effectively enhances safety without the drawbacks of restraints, sedatives, or overstimulation.