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?
Explanation & Rationale
A reason: Cognitive reframing. Cognitive reframing involves changing the way a person thinks about a situation to reduce stress or anxiety. While useful in some cases, it is not the most appropriate technique for addressing delusions in clients with dementia. B reason: Thought stopping. Thought stopping is a technique used to interrupt and control intrusive thoughts, often used in cognitive-behavioral therapy. It is not suitable for managing the delusions of a client with dementia. C reason: Validation therapy. Validation therapy involves accepting the client's perception of reality and responding in a way that acknowledges their feelings and experiences. For a client with dementia who believes a doll is their infant child, validation therapy helps provide comfort and reduces distress by not challenging their beliefs. D reason: Operant conditioning. Operant conditioning involves using reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors and discourage undesired ones. It is not appropriate for addressing the delusions of a client with dementia, as it does not validate their experiences.