Question

You are caring for Malcolm, an 83-year-old African American patient with Alzheimer's disease. Malcolm exhibits agitated behavior at times, especially when he feels he is missing work, and he sometimes attempts to leave the unit to "get to school where I teach." Which of the following interventions is appropriate for de-escalating Malcolm's agitation?

A) Remind Malcolm that he is retired and not currently working
B) Redirect Malcolm's attention to a calming activity or object
C) Confront Malcolm about his inappropriate behavior
D) Restrict Malcolm's movements to prevent elopement

Answer 1

To de-escalate agitation in Malcolm, an elderly Alzheimer's patient, redirecting his attention to a calming activity or object is the most suitable intervention.

Step-by-step explanation:

When caring for Malcolm, an 83-year-old African American patient with Alzheimer's disease who exhibits agitated behavior, the most appropriate intervention to de-escalate his agitation is B) Redirect Malcolm's attention to a calming activity or object. This approach is aligned with behavioral therapies that focus on managing symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Instead of confronting the patient or restricting movements which can exacerbate agitation, redirection can provide a soothing alternative to cope with his agitation and prevent elopement.