Final answer:
When a resident with Alzheimer's disease shows signs of memory loss, the nursing assistant should provide emotional support, as medication administration and physical examinations are not within their scope of practice. Emotional support helps manage symptoms and improves quality of life for Alzheimer's patients.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a resident with Alzheimer's disease shows signs of memory loss, the nursing assistant (NA) should provide emotional support. Administration of medication and conducting physical examinations are beyond the scope of practice for a nursing assistant. Ignoring the signs is not conducive to patient care. Residents with Alzheimer's may experience disruptive memory loss, confusion about time or place, and difficulty with planning or executing tasks, which can be very distressing. It is the role of the NA to offer support, reassurance, and to help maintain a calm and safe environment. Additionally, NAs can assist residents by creating routines and using prompts or reminders to help with memory and orientation.
While there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease, treatments mainly focus on managing symptoms and may involve cholinesterase inhibitors to slow its progression. The importance of emotional support cannot be overstated, as it can greatly improve the quality of life for individuals experiencing the challenging symptoms of Alzheimer's.