Question

You are working on the dementia unit where patients are at risk for elopement. Which of the following is not a priority intervention?

Answer 1

Reminding a patient with dementia not to wander off the unit is not a priority intervention for preventing elopement because their condition may impede their understanding or memory. Priority interventions include Ensure that ID bracelets are worn, assist with activities and exercise as ordered, and ensure that all door alarms are on

So, the correct answer is options 2, 3, and 5.

Step-by-step explanation:

The student is asking about priority interventions on a dementia unit to prevent patients from eloping. Elopement refers to the risk of patients with cognitive impairments, like dementia, wandering away from a safe environment. The priority interventions in such a setting include making sure all patients wear ID bracelets, assisting with activities and exercise as ordered, and ensuring that door alarms are active and functional.

However, simply reminding a patient with dementia not to wander off the unit is generally not a priority intervention, as their condition may prevent them from comprehending or following such instructions due to memory impairment or confusion.

Interventions like providing ID bracelets and maintaining door alarms are tangible and proactive measures that can immediately alert staff if someone tries to leave the unit. These interventions have been proven effective in enhancing the safety of patients who may not be aware of the risks of wandering.

Activities and exercise are important for engaging patients and can reduce restlessness that might contribute to elopement risk. Therefore, the intervention that is not a priority is reminding the patient not to wander off, as this is often ineffective due to patients' cognitive limitations.

So, the correct answer is options 2, 3, and 5.

Complete question:

You are working on the dementia unit where patients are at risk for elopement. Which of the following is not a priority intervention?

1. not a priority intervention?
2. Ensure that ID bracelets are worn
3. Assist with activities and exercise as ordered
4. Remind the patient not to wander off the unit
5. Ensure that all door alarms are on

Answer 2

Step-by-step explanation:

In this case, the intervention that is not a priority is:

allowing patients to walk freely and independently without supervision.

The following interventions are all required to ensure the safety of dementia patients at risk of elopement:

providing constant observation and monitoring of patients

ensuring that all doors and windows are securely locked.

Putting in place wander management measures, such as alarms or tracking devices, to notify personnel when a patient attempts to leave the unit