Author Question: An older adult with moderately severe dementia forgets where the bathroom is and has episodes of ... (Read 113 times)

ap345 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

An older adult with moderately severe dementia forgets where the bathroom is and has episodes of incontinence. Which intervention should the nurse suggest to the patient's family?

a. Label the bathroom door.
b. Take the older adult to the bathroom hourly.
c. Place the older adult in disposable adult briefs.
d. Limit the intake of oral fluids to 1000 ml per day.

Question 2

A older patient diagnosed with severe, late-stage dementia no longer recognizes family members. The family asks how long it will be before this patient recognizes them when they visit. What is the nurse's best reply?

a. Your family member will never again be able to identify you.
b. I think that is a question the health care provider should answer.
c. One never knows. Consciousness fluctuates in persons with dementia.
d. It is disappointing when someone you love no longer recognizes you.

Kimmy · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: A
The patient with moderately severe dementia has memory loss that begins to interfere with activities. This patient may be able to use environmental cues such as labels on doors to compensate for memory loss. Regular toileting may be helpful, but a 2-hour schedule is often more reasonable. Placing the patient in disposable briefs is more appropriate at a later stage. Severely limiting oral fluid intake would predispose the patient to a urinary tract infection.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: D
Therapeutic communication techniques can assist the family to come to terms with the losses and irreversibility dementia imposes on both the loved one and themselves. Two incorrect responses close communication. The nurse should take the opportunity to foster communication. Consciousness does not fluctuate in patients with dementia.