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

A. Cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing is a therapeutic technique used to help individuals change negative thought patterns by looking at situations differently. It is useful for clients with anxiety or depression but is not appropriate for dementia, as it relies on rational thinking and insight, which may be impaired. B. Thought stopping. Thought stopping is a behavioral therapy technique used to help individuals control obsessive or intrusive thoughts by interrupting them with a distraction or a verbal command. It is used in conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) but is not suitable for managing dementia-related behaviors. C. Validation therapy. Validation therapy focuses on accepting the client’s perception of reality rather than correcting or challenging it. For a client with dementia who believes a doll is their infant child, going along with their belief can reduce distress and improve emotional well-being. Instead of arguing or trying to reorient the client, validation therapy allows for a more compassionate and reassuring approach. D. Operant conditioning. Operant conditioning is a behavior modification technique that reinforces positive behaviors through rewards or consequences. While effective for some behavioral issues, it is not appropriate for dementia care, as individuals with dementia may not retain memory of the reinforcement and may struggle to change their behaviors accordingly.