Question

The caregiver of a client with Alzheimer's disease reports to the nurse that often the client will suddenly become angry during meals and nothing seems to calm him down. The nurse teaches the caregiver to use distraction techniques. Which response would be best to teach as an example of this technique?

a) Ignoring the client's behavior and walking away
b) Engaging the client in conversation about a different topic
c) Providing a stern reprimand to stop the anger
d) Offering the client a snack to appease them

Answer 1

Engaging the client in conversation about a different topic is the best distraction technique for a caregiver to use when dealing with an Alzheimer's patient who becomes angry during meals.

Step-by-step explanation:

The best response to teach as an example of a distraction technique for a client with Alzheimer's disease who becomes angry during meals would be engaging the client in conversation about a different topic. This approach aims to redirect the client's attention away from the source of frustration to a more neutral or pleasing subject, thereby alleviating their anger without directly confronting it or exacerbating the situation. Ignoring the behavior or providing a stern reprimand can potentially worsen the behavior, while offering a snack does not directly address the issue of anger. When a client with Alzheimer's disease becomes angry during meals, distraction techniques can be used to help calm them down. The best response to teach as an example of this technique would be:

b) Engaging the client in conversation about a different topic

This technique involves redirecting the client's attention away from the source of anger by starting a conversation about something unrelated. By engaging them in a different topic, the caregiver can help shift the client's focus and potentially reduce their anger.