PN Adult Medical Surgical Practice Exam

Which approach should a nurse take to reduce confusion in a client with Alzheimer's disease?

1. Encourage urgent decision-making to foster independence.

2. Limit the number of visitors to minimize stimulation.

3. Encourage reminiscence of past experiences.

4. Avoid all forms of physical contact.

The correct answer is: Encourage reminiscence of past experiences.

Encouraging reminiscence of past experiences is an effective approach for reducing confusion in clients with Alzheimer's disease. This technique leverages the individual's long-term memory, which is often more intact compared to short-term memory. Engaging in discussions about familiar events, people, and experiences can provide comfort and a sense of connection to the past. This can help stabilize their emotional state and reduce anxiety or agitation, which often accompany confusion. Additionally, reminiscence can foster social interaction, enhancing the client's mood and improving their overall sense of well-being. The other approaches may not be beneficial or could potentially exacerbate confusion. For instance, promoting urgent decision-making can overwhelm the client, leading to increased anxiety and confusion rather than fostering independence. Limiting visitors could reduce stimulation, but it might also lead to feelings of isolation, which can negatively impact the emotional state of individuals with Alzheimer's. Avoiding physical contact altogether can create a sense of distance and discomfort, essential for caring relationships, particularly for clients who might benefit from reassurance through physical presence or touch. Thus, encouraging reminiscence stands out as the most supportive approach for reducing confusion.