A patient with a cognitive deficit becomes agitated and upset about not being able to remember daily activities. How should the nurse respond to this agitation?
a. Tell the patient not to worry about it.
b. Provide an easy-to-follow calendar and reinforce the information.
c. Explain that becoming upset is not going to help the situation.
d. Remind the patient that now is the time to rest and relax.
B
If the patient has difficulty remembering when to perform tasks (e.g., paying bills, taking medicines), help the patient to create a list, or post reminder notes in a conspicuous location (e.g., bulletin board, front of refrigerator), provide a medication container organized by days of the week, and recommend a wristwatch with alarm to signal medication administration times. Memory function in older adults tends to be preserved for relevant, well-learned material. Lists and organizers will help the patient cope with memory loss and safely perform activities. Telling the patient not to worry negates the patient's feelings. Reminding the patient that it is his or her "time to rest and relax" may be seen as a dismissal. False reassurance is not helpful to the patient. Focus on the patient's abilities, and modify approaches used to perform daily activities.
You might also like to view...
An older patient in the ICU has labored breathing and a history of smoking. The nurse suspects that he has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Which of the following signs would tend to confirm that the patient has COPD? Select all that apply. A) Increased anterior-posterior diameter of the chest B) The patient lying propped onto one side C) Deviation of the trachea from the midline D) Inspiration taking just as long as expiration
A new mother asks the nurse why babies are more prone to dehydration than adults. Which rationales from the nurse best answer this mother's question? (Select all that apply.)
A. A greater body surface area than adults B. Higher percentage of total body water C. Improved ability of kidneys to concentrate urine D. Kidneys too efficient in excreting waste E. More fluids losses through GI tract and skin
When a woman is diagnosed with postpartum psychosis, one of the main concerns is that she may
a. Have outbursts of anger b. Neglect her hygiene c. Harm her infant d. Lose interest in her husband
The nurse is conducting a health history for a 9-year-old child with stomach pains. What is a recommended guideline when approaching the child for information?
A) Wear a white examination coat when conducting the interview. B) Allow the child to control the pace and order of the health history. C) Use quick deliberate gestures to get your point across. D) Do not make physical contact with the child during the interview.