Preventing Risk for Injury in Dementia Patients

What is the priority nursing diagnosis for a client with dementia who is disoriented, ataxic, and wanders?

What are the necessary interventions to address this nursing diagnosis?

Risk for Injury due to Wandering

Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include providing a safe environment, monitoring the patient's behavior, and providing distractions, such as music or other activities. Additionally, orienting the client to their surroundings, such as placing visible signs to help guide them through their environment and installing secure barriers that prevent them from leaving the facility without supervision, are also essential interventions. Furthermore, the use of wander guards or alarms can be used to alert caregivers when the patient is wandering.

A nursing diagnosis is a comprehensive assessment of the patient's requirements and a comprehensive nursing care plan. When managing patients with dementia, a detailed evaluation is necessary to recognize the client's symptoms and nursing diagnoses. For a client with dementia, who is disoriented, ataxic, and wanders, a priority nursing diagnosis is Risk for Injury due to Wandering. This nursing diagnosis relates to the likelihood of injury to the patient due to wandering. It is critical to ensure that the patient does not wander and hurt themselves. An ataxic person is someone who has difficulty moving around and controlling their limbs, and they are at risk of stumbling, falling, and injuring themselves.

Nursing interventions for this diagnosis include providing a safe environment, monitoring the patient's behavior, and providing distractions, such as music or other activities. Additionally, orienting the client to their surroundings, such as placing visible signs to help guide them through their environment and installing secure barriers that prevent them from leaving the facility without supervision, are also essential interventions. Furthermore, the use of wander guards or alarms can be used to alert caregivers when the patient is wandering.

In conclusion, nursing interventions should prioritize patient safety in all aspects of care, especially in clients with dementia who are disoriented, ataxic, and wander.