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Question

Difficulty: EasyBehavioral Interventions

An older adult client with Alzheimer's disease is standing by the locked exit doors of a memory care unit, pulling on the handle and speaking loudly about needing to "get to work on time." The client appears highly distressed and anxious. What is the most appropriate initial action by the practical nurse?

  1. Acknowledge the client's feelings and invite them to help fold towels in the day room.Answer
  2. B
    Explain logically that the doors are locked to ensure the safety of all residents.
  3. C
    Remind the client firmly that they are retired and currently reside in a care facility.
  4. D
    Request a PRN antianxiety medication to quickly alleviate the client's distress.

Answer

Acknowledge the client's feelings and invite them to help fold towels in the day room.
For clients with dementia who are experiencing agitation or wandering behaviors, validation therapy combined with redirection (such as offering a simple, familiar task) is the most effective and least restrictive behavioral intervention. This approach acknowledges the client's reality and reduces distress without being confrontational.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Assess the client's behavioral state and underlying cognitive status.
The client is experiencing anxiety, wandering behaviors, and an altered perception of reality related to Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding the cause of the behavior guides the selection of an appropriate intervention.
2
Select an intervention based on the hierarchy of least restrictive behavioral interventions.
Validation therapy and redirection are chosen as the immediate approach.
These techniques de-escalate the situation safely without the use of confrontation or physical/chemical restraints.

Key Concept

Least Restrictive Behavioral Interventions for Dementia
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Topics

Behavioral Interventions

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