The staff is having a hard time getting an older-adult patient to communicate. Which technique should the nurse suggest the staff use?
a. Try changing topics often.
b. Allow the patient to reminisce.
c. Ask the patient for explanations.
d. Involve only the patient in conversations.
ANS: B
Encouraging older adults to share life stories and reminisce about the past has a therapeutic effect and increases their sense of well-being. Avoid sudden shifts from subject to subject. It is helpful to include the patient's family and friends and to become familiar with the patient's favorite topics for conversation. Asking for explanations is a nontherapeutic technique.
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