Question

A nurse is discussing home care concerns with the son of a client who has Alzheimer’s disease. The son states, "I am so tired all the time, but Mom needs me." Which of the following responses should the nurse make? Ans: "Let me give you some information about respite care for your mother." "I think you should find other family members who could help your mother.’’ ‘’You should think about placing your mother in a long-term care facility.’’ ‘’you owe it to your mother to take care of her now that she needs you.’’

Answer 1

The best response by the nurse is to provide information about respite care options, acknowledging the son's fatigue and offering a resource that can provide temporary relief in the caregiving role for his mother with Alzheimer's.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a son caring for his mother with Alzheimer's disease expresses feelings of exhaustion, the nurse should consider offering options such as respite care to alleviate the son's burden. This option provides temporary relief that can prevent caregiver burnout, which is crucial considering the stressful nature of providing long-term care. In the context of the United States, there is often a tension between familial caregiving responsibilities and external work commitments, further compounded by emotional, physical, and financial challenges. Additionally, cultural expectations considerably influence the approach to elder care, highlighting the importance of personalized care strategies that respect familial roles and circumstances.

Given the situation, the most appropriate response the nurse can offer is, "Let me give you some information about respite care for your mother." This approach conveys an understanding of the son's fatigue and presents a supportive resource without imposing any specific familial or long-term facility arrangements.