What should the practical nurse (PN) do for a confused older adult client in a long-term care facility who is unsure of the day of the week?

Reminding the client what day of the week it is can provide immediate reassurance and support to the older adult who is experiencing confusion. This approach helps the client orient themselves in time, which can be crucial for their emotional well-being. For individuals with cognitive impairment, such as dementia or other related conditions, simple reminders can help ground them, making it easier for them to engage with their environment and maintain a sense of routine.

While engaging the client in social interaction, providing a calendar, or encouraging rest might have their merits in different contexts, they do not directly address the immediate confusion the client is experiencing. Social interaction could be beneficial later, but it might not alleviate the client's current uncertainty. Similarly, providing a calendar might not be useful if the client is unable to process that information effectively. Encouraging rest might be appropriate if the client is fatigued, but it does not help with the confusion stemming from their awareness of time. Therefore, reminding the client of the day of the week is a proactive and direct way to assist them in overcoming their confusion.