A nurse manager is providing a novice geriatric nurse with guidelines when encour-aging an older client to reminisce about their life and past experiences. Which sugges-tions will be included? Select all that apply

Question

a. Don't correct the client even when you suspect the memory is incorrect
b. When the focus remains on sad topics, assess the client for possible depres-sion
c. Refrain from interjecting personal stories into the reminiscing process
d. Expect and respect a degree of repetition
e. Use close-ended questions to help focus the reminiscing

Answer 1

ANS: A, B, D
Suggestions for encouraging reminiscing include listening without correction or criticism, remembering that it is the client's recollections that are important; being patient with repeti-tion since sometimes people need to tell the same story often to come to terms with the experience, especially if it was very meaningful to them; being attuned to signs of depression in conversation (dwelling on sad topics) or changes in physical status or behavior, and providing appropriate assessment and intervention; keeping the conversation focused on the person reminiscing, but not hesitating to share some of your own memories that relate to the situation being discussed. Use open-ended questions to encourage reminiscing since they encourage free thought.