Question

The adult son of a client with dementia asks the nurse how he should respond when his mother repeatedly says she has had a busy day at work. The mother has not worked in over 20 years. Which is the best guidance that the nurse could offer?

a) Correct the mother and remind her that she doesn't work.
b) Agree with the mother to avoid conflict and confusion.
c) Redirect the conversation to a different topic.
d) Ignore the mother's comments and change the subject.

Answer 1

The best guidance is to redirect the conversation to a different topic, which supports the emotional well-being of the mother with dementia and avoids further confusion without being dismissive.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best guidance a nurse could offer to an adult son whose mother with dementia claims she has had a busy day at work is to redirect the conversation to a different topic. This approach acknowledges the mother's feelings without reinforcing the confusion or false beliefs. Correcting the mother could lead to frustration or agitation, agreeing with the delusion is not helpful in the long term, and ignoring her comments lacks compassion and respect for her experiences.

Examples of redirection include discussing other subjects of interest, asking the mother about her past experiences in more general terms, or engaging in an activity together that she enjoys. It is vital to maintain a calm and reassuring tone, as people with dementia often retain their emotional memories even if they lose other cognitive functions.

There are several aspects to keep in mind when interacting with someone who has dementia, including the understanding that dementia affects memory, cognitive functioning, and emotional regulation. Communicating effectively with dementia patients is crucial, and it involves not just the words used, but also the manner in which they are delivered.