Question

A 59-yr-old female patient with a frontotemporal lobar dementia has difficulty with verbal expression. While her husband was at work, she walked to the gas station for a soda but did not understand the request for payment. What can the nurse suggest to keep the patient safe?

Adult day care

Answer 1

A nurse can suggest utilizing adult day care services for a 59-year-old patient with dementia, provide her with pre-paid cards, employ GPS tracking for safety, and educate the patient and family on handling the cognitive effects of the condition.

Step-by-step explanation:

To ensure the safety of a 59-yr-old female patient with frontotemporal lobar dementia who struggles with verbal expression and comprehension of tasks such as payment for items, a nurse can suggest several strategies. One effective intervention is the use of adult day care services, which provide a structured and supervised environment during the day, offering various therapeutic activities tailored to the individual's cognitive abilities and needs. Additionally, these services can provide respite for family members and reduce the risk of the patient encountering confusing or unsafe situations when unsupervised.

To further support the patient's independence while managing risks, the nurse can recommend the use of pre-paid cards or setting up accounts at local stores so the patient can make small purchases without the need for complex transactions. Moreover, the nurse can advise on home safety measures such as installing GPS trackers, which can help locate the patient if they become disoriented during outings. Finally, educating both the patient and family about the cognitive effects of dementia and developing communication aids and strategies can enhance daily living and improve overall safety.