If a client appears confused, what is the best action to take?

Keeping the client reoriented with mementos and clocks is the best action when a client appears confused. This approach provides tangible references that can help ground the client in reality by reminding them of where they are and what time it is. Familiar items can evoke memories and reassurance, allowing the client to feel more secure and less disoriented.

Using mementos serves as a way to connect the client with their personal identity and experiences, which can be especially beneficial if confusion is related to memory issues. Clocks and other time-related cues aid in establishing a sense of time, making it easier for the client to orient themselves in the environment.

The other options, while they may seem helpful in certain contexts, do not effectively address the immediate needs presented by confusion. Leaving the client alone may increase their feelings of isolation and anxiety. Calling for a nurse may be necessary depending on the situation, but it should not be the first action taken when the confusion can be addressed with reorientation techniques. Reassuring the client without stimulation can be comforting, but it does not actively help them regain a sense of awareness and understanding of their surroundings. Therefore, using mementos and clocks is a proactive way to assist the client.