When caring for an older adult client who is experiencing memory loss, the nurse notes that the client emotionally overreacts to situations, appearing as if having temper tantrums when responding to real or perceived frustration
. The nurse recognizes the client is experiencing a catastrophic reaction. When caring for this client, the nurse should
a. attempt to keep the client awake for extended periods of time.
b. demand the client stop demonstrating inappropriate behavior.
c. increase the client's environmental stimuli.
d. use distraction to move the client away from the offending environmental stimuli.
ANS: D
Instead of focusing on the behavior, the nurse should try to identify and eliminate the cause(s). The nurse should use distraction to move older adults away from the offending stimuli in the environment or use postponement. Older adults with memory loss lack the cognitive ability to develop alternatives. They emotionally overreact to situations and can have what look like temper tantrums in response to real or perceived frustration. Older adult tantrums are called catastrophic reactions and represent a completely disorganized set of responses. Usually there is something in the immediate environment that precipitates the reaction. Fatigue, multiple demands, overstimulation, misinterpretations, or an inability to meet expectations are contributing factors.
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