Author Question: The nurse is caring for a patient with severe dementia. What nursing intervention best promotes ... (Read 41 times)

audie · **on:** Jul 19, 2018

The nurse is caring for a patient with severe dementia. What nursing intervention best promotes orientation to time and space?

1. Provide good lighting, especially on stairs.
2. Acknowledge the patient's feelings.
3. Break instructions into short time frames.
4. Cover mirrors to decrease fear.

Question 2

Which nursing technique is appropriate for therapeutic interaction with a patient who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer disease?

1. Setting strict time limits and rephrasing misunderstood questions.
2. Encouraging verbal and nonverbal communication while maintaining a calm demeanor.
3. Correcting errors made by the patient and speaking in a loud, clear voice.
4. Using multiple memory cues and giving several directions at once.

lindahyatt42 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 19, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: 4
Explanation: Patient orientation in time and space is important regardless of the severity of illness and may present differently at different times. Covering or removing mirrors to decrease fear allows the patient to orient him or herself to the space without fear. The additional answer choices are appropriate interventions for patients with dementia; however, these interventions do not promote orientation to time and space.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: 2
Explanation: Nonverbal communication will become more prominent as verbal communication skills decline. A calm demeanor will reassure the patient and allow for a response without sensory overload. Correcting errors by the patient, speaking in a loud voice, using multiple memory cues, setting time limits, and rephrasing questions may overstimulate and increase the patient's frustration and anxiety.