An elderly patient with dementia is resisting oral hygiene. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention?
Understand the Problem
The question describes a common challenge in nursing care: managing oral hygiene for an elderly patient with dementia who is resisting. It asks you to identify the most appropriate intervention from a set of options. The question requires knowledge of best practices in dementia care, ethical considerations, and patient safety.
Answer
Use distraction, communicate calmly, and employ a gentle approach during oral hygiene.
The most appropriate nursing intervention is to use distraction techniques such as singing or providing a familiar object to hold while brushing the patient's teeth. It's also important to communicate calmly and clearly, using gestures and a gentle approach.
Answer for screen readers
The most appropriate nursing intervention is to use distraction techniques such as singing or providing a familiar object to hold while brushing the patient's teeth. It's also important to communicate calmly and clearly, using gestures and a gentle approach.
More Information
Maintaining oral hygiene in elderly patients with dementia can be challenging due to resistance and cognitive decline. Employing gentle and patient techniques is essential for their comfort and cooperation.
Tips
A common mistake is to forcefully perform oral hygiene, which can increase resistance and anxiety in dementia patients. Always prioritize a calm and reassuring approach.
Sources
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