A client with Alzheimer's disease is taking trazodone; the caregiver reports mood and sleep have improved but there is no change in cognitive ability. How should the nurse respond?

• A. Confirm that the desired effect of the medication has been achieved.
• B. Explain that the medication will eventually improve memory and thinking.
• C. Suggest stopping the medication because cognition did not improve.
• D. Suggest increasing the dose to see cognitive improvement.

Answer: (A)

Focus on what trazodone is helping with in this context. In Alzheimer's care, trazodone is often used to improve mood and sleep rather than to reverse or restore cognitive function. If the caregiver reports better mood and sleep, that reflects the medication working as intended. Cognitive abilities may remain unchanged despite these improvements, and that does not mean the treatment failed. The appropriate response is to acknowledge that the desired effects—better mood and sleep—have been achieved, continue the current regimen, and discuss any ongoing cognitive concerns with the prescriber. Avoid stopping the medication or increasing the dose solely because cognition hasn’t improved, and monitor for any side effects or safety issues.