Nursing Care for Confused Residents

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Questions and Answers

When a resident with dementia calls a nurse aide by the name of their deceased son, how should the nurse aide respond?

Avoid engaging with the resident and continue with care

Ask Mr. T about his favorite memories of his son (correct)

Tell the resident that their son is no longer alive

Correct the resident and tell them they are mistaken

What is a strategy for helping a resident with dementia who has difficulty remembering what day it is and where they are?

Providing a calendar and a clock in each client's room (correct)

Orienting the resident to their surroundings each morning

Giving the resident a schedule to follow

Telling the resident to try to remember on their own

Why is it important to use short sentences when speaking to a client who is confused or agitated?

To help the client remember what was said

To show the client who is in charge

To avoid overwhelming the client (correct)

To distract the client from their agitation

What should a nurse aide do when speaking to a client who is confused or agitated?

Use a calm voice and talk directly to the client Signup and view all the answers

Why is it important to treat a resident with dementia who has lost a doll as if they have lost a real person?

Because the resident is grieving the loss of a beloved item Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse aide do when introducing a new doll to a resident who has lost a beloved doll?

Wait for a short time and then introduce the new doll Signup and view all the answers

What is a effective way to ensure a resident with dementia consumes adequate nutrition?

Providing meals that match their limited attention span Signup and view all the answers

Why should the dining area be made quiet and calm?

To reduce distractions and help the resident focus on eating Signup and view all the answers

How should a nurse aide communicate with a resident who has late-stage dementia or Alzheimer's?

Speaking one- or two-word sentences Signup and view all the answers

What should a nurse aide say to a resident with dementia who has wandered to another unit?

Let's walk back together, okay? Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of patients with dementia are likely to wander?

6 out of 10 Signup and view all the answers

How should a nurse aide respond to a combative resident with dementia?

Communicate calmly while stepping out of the way Signup and view all the answers

What should a nursing assistant do when speaking to a confused or agitated client?

Talk directly to the client, saying their name Signup and view all the answers

A client with dementia has a favorite outfit they want to wear every day. What is a good solution?

Get several identical sets of the outfit Signup and view all the answers

What can help reduce confusion when getting dressed?

Limiting choices of clothing Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of delusions?

Misinterpretation of experiences Signup and view all the answers

How should a nursing assistant treat a confused client?

Like an adult Signup and view all the answers

What can help the resident feel comfortable in a long-term facility?

Simplifying the environment and routine Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Responding to Residents with Dementia

When called by the name of a deceased son, a nurse aide should gently redirect the conversation and validate the resident's feelings, showing understanding and compassion.
Using a calm and reassuring voice is essential while addressing the resident's emotional state.

Strategies for Memory Assistance

For residents struggling to remember the day or location, visual cues like calendars or clocks can be beneficial.
Providing consistent daily routines helps establish familiarity and reduces anxiety.

Communication Techniques

Short sentences are important as they help prevent confusion and make messages clear for clients who are agitated or confused.
Clear and concise speech enhances comprehension, supporting effective communication.

Managing Confusion and Agitation

When speaking to confused or agitated clients, the aide should maintain a calm demeanor, use a reassuring tone, and avoid confrontation.
Encourage deep breathing or redirect focus to a soothing activity.

Addressing Emotional Loss

Treating the loss of a doll as a real loss respects the resident's emotions and individuality, fostering empathy and support.
Acknowledge the resident’s feelings of grief and provide comfort.

Introducing New Objects

When introducing a new doll to replace a beloved one, present it gently, allow the resident to explore it, and highlight similarities to the previous doll to ease the transition.

Promoting Nutrition

To ensure a resident with dementia consumes adequate nutrition, offer meals in small, manageable portions and provide favorite foods to encourage eating.
Use positive mealtime cues and engage them in the dining experience.

Dining Environment

A quiet and calm dining area reduces distractions, promoting a more relaxed eating atmosphere which is vital for residents with dementia.

Communicating with Late-Stage Dementia Patients

Communicate slowly and clearly, using non-verbal cues such as gestures and facial expressions to enhance understanding.
Focus on the emotional tone rather than the specific words.

Handling Wandering

If a resident has wandered to another unit, gently guide them back with a friendly demeanor, providing reassurance and comfort.
Use a calm tone without reprimanding to avoid distress.

Statistics on Wandering

Approximately 60% of individuals with dementia are likely to wander at some point.

Dealing with Combative Behavior

Respond to a combative resident with calmness, using a soft voice and maintaining a safe distance to avoid escalation.
It’s crucial to avoid taking aggressive behavior personally and to focus on de-escalation techniques.

Addressing Favorite Outfits

If a resident wants to wear a favorite outfit daily, respect their preference but maintain hygiene and appropriateness by rotating similar items.
Offer choices within a limited wardrobe to promote independence while ensuring variety.

Dressing Assistance

To reduce confusion while dressing, lay out outfits in the order they should be worn, using visual aids or pictures.
Allow the resident to participate in choosing their clothes to foster a sense of control.

Delusions Characteristics

Delusions are false beliefs held firmly despite evidence to the contrary and often relate to paranoia or misinterpretation of reality.

Treatment of Confused Clients

Treat confused clients with patience and reassurance, using simple language and avoiding rapid changes in context or environment.

Comfort in Long-Term Care

To help residents feel comfortable in a long-term facility, create personalized spaces with familiar items, engage in meaningful activities, and foster positive social interactions.

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Description

Learn how to care for confused residents, including how to communicate effectively, manage their emotions, and provide support in a respectful manner. This quiz covers important techniques for nursing assistants to provide quality care.