A patient diagnosed with moderately severe Alzheimer's disease has a self-care deficit of dressing and grooming. Designate appropriate interventions to include in the patient's plan of care. Select all that apply

Question

a. Provide clothing with elastic and hook-and-loop closures.
b. Label clothing with the patient's name and name of the item.
c. Administer anti-anxiety medication before bathing and dressing.
d. Provide necessary items and direct the patient to proceed independently.
e. If the patient resists dressing, use distraction and try again after a short interval.

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, E
Providing clothing with elastic and hook-and-loop closures facilitates patient independence. Labeling clothing with the patient's name and the name of the item maintains patient identity and dignity (provides information if the patient has agnosia). When a patient resists, it is appropriate to use distraction and try again after a short interval because patient moods are often labile. The patient may be willing to cooperate given a later opportunity. Providing the necessary items for grooming and directing the patient to proceed independently are inappropriate. Be prepared to coach by giving step-by-step directions for each task as it occurs. Administering anxiolytic medication before bathing and dressing is inappropriate. This measure would result in unnecessary overmedication.