A nurse is reinforcing teaching with the caregiver of a client who has Alzheimer's disease. The caregiver reports that the client awakens at night and wanders. Which of the following strategies should the nurse suggest?

• A. Administer an anti anxiety medication before bedtime.
• B. Place a lock at the top of doors leading outside.
• C. Use light restraints while the client is in bed.
• D. Encourage the client to nap during the day.

Answer: (B)

Preventing harm from wandering in Alzheimer's relies on safety-focused environmental changes rather than medications or restraints. Placing a lock at the top of doors leading outside directly reduces the chance the client will exit at night, protecting them from potential dangers while the caregiver maintains control and supervision. This nonpharmacologic approach addresses the immediate risk of elopement without introducing medication side effects or restraint-related harm. The other options are less appropriate: giving an anti-anxiety medication before bed may sedate the person and cause adverse effects without effectively addressing wandering; using restraints—even light ones—poses safety, dignity, and injury risks; encouraging daytime napping can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle and worsen nighttime awakenings. Safer complementary strategies include door alarms, better nighttime lighting, and a structured daytime routine with physical activity to promote more stable sleep.