A nurse at a long-term care facility is conducting an initial interview with a patient who has recently been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease. The patient is grieving the death of her spouse of 30 years
What are some appropriate interventions the nurse might consider? Select all that apply.
1. Ask the patient if she wants to talk about her recent losses.
2. Suggest that the patient might consider joining a grief support group at the facility.
3. Advise the patient that she will soon adjust to her new circumstances and feel much better.
4. Ignore the patient's losses since she probably doesn't remember them and it is better not to remind her.
5. Ask the patient if there are any ways in which the nurse could help the patient be more comfortable in her new surroundings.
Answer: 1, 2, 5
Explanation: The patient is experiencing cumulative losses and could benefit from the opportunity to discuss them. A support group with those who have experienced some similar losses might be helpful. The opportunity to suggest some changes in her surroundings could provide the patient with a sense of increased control. The nurse, in claiming that the patient will soon feel better, is making an assumption without evidence. It is not accurate to assume that patients recently diagnosed with Alzheimer disease will not be aware of their losses.
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