The nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease and is approached by the client's family member, stating, "I'm so tired of hearing Dad talk about the past." The nurse should inform the family member that
The nurse is caring for a client with Alzheimer's disease and is approached by the client's family member, stating, "I'm so tired of hearing Dad talk about the past." The nurse should inform the family member that
A. "You should be more patient with your father and accepting of his disease."
[9%]
B. "Changing the subject to avoid reminiscing may be helpful."
[18%]
C. "He has lost his short-term memory but can still remember events from long ago."
[65%]
D. "Just remind him when he repeats himself and that will reinforce better behavior."
[8%]
Statistics
Subject/Lesson
Subject
Mental Health
Lesson
Mental Health
Client Need
Test Plan
Psychosocial Integrity
Related Topic
Therapeutic Communication
Item Type
Item Type
Application
Explanation
Choice C is correct. Family members can become frustrated when clients with Alzheimer's disease lose short-term memory. The nurse should explain to the family member that the "short-term memory" is declining and encourage the client to talk about things that he/she can remember.
Choice A is incorrect. During the early stages of Alzheimer's, family members are still trying to learn about and cope with the changes that their loved ones are experiencing. Patience with the family will be more beneficial than the scolding tone that this answer choice portrays.
Choice B is incorrect. Reminiscing is appropriate for an individual with Alzheimer's disease as it provides the client with ego integrity. Avoiding this and talking about future topics is not an effective intervention.
Choice D is incorrect. Reminding the client with Alzheimer's disease that he is repeating himself will not improve the behavior as his short-term memory is affected. The hippocampus is the structure responsible for creating new memories from experiences. When it is damaged, short-term memory is impaired.
Additional Info
✓ Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia.
✓ The progressive deterioration of cognitive functioning commonly characterizes AD.
✓ Initial deterioration may be so subtle and insidious that others may not notice it.
✓ In the early stages of the disease, the affected person may be able to compensate for and hide cognitive deficits.
✓ Manifestations of AD include impairment of recent memory, which progresses to remote memory.
✓ As the disease progresses, the client may have impairment in executive functioning, including planning, organizing, and problem-solving.
✓ Additional clinical features of AD include the triple-A (agraphia, agnosia, and apraxia).
✓ Nursing care is aimed at maximizing function and promoting safety. The nurse should also provide caregiver/family support because of the emotional toll of this disorder.
