Answer:
C. Establish and maintain a routine for daily hygiene activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a client with stage 1 Alzheimer's disease exhibits signs of irritability and reluctance to perform hygiene care, it's important for the nurse to consider strategies that are both supportive and effective. Among the options provided:
A. Be matter-of-fact and insist on tasks to be completed.
B. Suggest the family hire a personal assistant to provide care.
C. Establish and maintain a routine for daily hygiene activities.
D. Ask the provider for additional medication to use PRN.
The most appropriate action in this situation would be:
C. Establish and maintain a routine for daily hygiene activities.
Establishing and maintaining a routine is a recommended approach when caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Routine and familiarity can help reduce anxiety and resistance to activities of daily living, such as hygiene care. Consistency in the timing and approach to hygiene activities can provide a sense of security and predictability for the person with Alzheimer's. It's important to approach the individual with patience, respect, and empathy while assisting with these tasks. Routines can help reduce the need for confrontation and minimize the use of medications or other interventions that may have side effects.
Option A, being matter-of-fact and insisting on tasks to be completed, may lead to resistance and distress in the person with Alzheimer's. It's generally not recommended to use a confrontational approach.
Option B, suggesting the family hire a personal assistant, is a valid option but may not always be feasible due to financial or other constraints. Establishing a routine can be a more immediate and practical step to take.
Option D, asking the provider for additional medication to use PRN (as needed), should not be the first approach and should be considered only after non-pharmacological interventions have been tried and if the individual's symptoms are causing significant distress or safety concerns.
In summary, creating a routine for daily hygiene activities is a compassionate and effective approach to caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease who is exhibiting signs of irritability and resistance.