When unsure about how to address older patients with advanced ...

[ss2343]

When unsure about how to address older patients with advanced stage Alzheimer disease, the nurse recognizes that it is best to address the patient by
 
  a. a pet name, because the patients are not likely to respond to their given names.
  b. the first name, to foster a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
  c. the full name, to show respect for the pa-tients as individuals.
  d. a childhood nickname, because long-term memory will likely still be intact.

Question 2

An 80-year-old patient with diminishing cognitive function is being discharged into the care of his 72-year-old spouse. The nurse recognizes that besides the spouse's physical ability to provide appropriate care, there is a need to evaluate the
 
  a. couple's financial resources.
  b. couple's social support system.
  c. spouse's cognitive level of function.
  d. patient's long-term health prognosis.

[ultraflyy23]

Answer to Question 1

C
Nurses should address all older patients by their full name, including Mr. Mrs., or Miss, to show respect, unless the patient specifically requests being called something else.

Answer to Question 2

C
The ability of the caregivers to provide health care to the dementia patient may be compromised if the caregivers themselves are cognitively challenged. The nurse should evaluate the spouse's physical and cognitive abilities and the safety of the home. The other factors are important too, but safety is the key issue.