A nurse is caring for a client who has dementia and insists that a doll is their infant child. Which of the following behavioral management techniques should the nurse use when interacting with the client?

Choice A reason: Cognitive reframing involves helping clients reinterpret situations more positively. It is not appropriate for dementia-related delusions, as it may cause distress by challenging their perceived reality. Choice B reason: Thought stopping is used to interrupt intrusive thoughts, typically in anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorders. It is ineffective and potentially invalidating in dementia care. Choice C reason: Validation therapy supports the client’s emotional experience by entering their reality rather than correcting it. This approach reduces agitation and fosters trust. Choice D reason: Operant conditioning uses reinforcement to shape behavior. It is not suitable for addressing delusional beliefs in dementia, as it does not address emotional needs or cognitive limitations.