A patient with severe dementia can no longer recognize her only daughter and becomes anxious and agitated when the daughter attempts to reorient her. An alternative the nurse could suggest to the daughter is to:

Question

a. wear a large name tag.
b. visit her mother less often.
c. talk about experiences they've shared.
d. place clocks and calendars strategically.

Answer 1

C
Validating, talking with the patient about familiar, meaningful things, and reminiscing gives meaning to existence both for the patient and family members. Name tags and clocks or calendars would help orient the patient but not help overcome her agnosia. Reduced visitation would be distressing to the daughter and could increase isolation for the patient.