Question

A formerly independent older adult becomes severely withdrawn upon admission to a nursing home. Which action should the nurse take first?

a. Allow the patient to incorporate personal belongings into the room.
b. Implement strict rules to maintain order in the nursing home.
c. Avoid any interaction to respect the patient's privacy.
d. Immediately involve the family in decision-making for the patient.

Answer 1

The best initial action for a nurse when a senior becomes withdrawn in a nursing home is to allow them to personalize their space with their belongings, as it maintains their identity and can ease the transition.

Step-by-step explanation:

The first action a nurse should take when a formerly independent older adult becomes severely withdrawn upon admission to a nursing home is a. Allow the patient to incorporate personal belongings into the room. This approach aligns with the understanding of the resocialization process and helps preserve the individual's identity by integrating familiar items into their new environment. Such a gesture provides a sense of continuity, which can aid in the transition and address feelings of loss and disorientation associated with moving to a nursing facility. It is important to ensure that the elderly feel their voices are heard and that their needs are respected, a process that is often complex due to their lifetime of experience and established identities.