Author Question: A patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease has a catastrophic reaction during an activ-ity ... (Read 63 times)

geodog55 · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

A patient diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease has a catastrophic reaction during an activ-ity involving simultaneous playing of music and working on a craft project. The patient starts shouting no, no, no and rushes out of the room.

The nurse should:
a. Discontinue the activity program since it upsets the patients.
b. Follow the patient, reassure her, and redirect her to a quieter activity.
c. Isolate the patient until she is calm, and then direct her back to the activity.
d. Give the patient prn antianxiety medication and restrict her activity participation.

Question 2

Which behaviors would indicate that a therapeutic activity program for a patient with Alzheimer's disease had been successful?

a. Accurate recent memory, positive emotional response, and increased verbal ex-pression
b. Increased attention span, verbal expression of remote memory, and positive emo-tional response
c. Positive use of perseveration, reduction in use of habitual skills, and improved abstract reasoning
d. Positive emotional response, ability to remember multiple steps, and accurate re-cent memory

Jmfn03 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANS: B
These actions will restore safety and self-esteem. Isolation will decrease self-esteem and may increase confusion. It is only one patient that is distressed, not the entire group. Behavioral interventions should be attempted prior to administering medication.

Answer to Question 2

ANS: B
These are all observations that would indicate that a therapeutic activity program has kept the patient functioning at the highest level of which he is capable. The behaviors described in the other options are not realistic expectations for this patient.