A nurse is reinforcing teaching about home management with the partner of a client who has dementia. Which of the following instructions should the nurse include in the teaching?
Explanation & Rationale
Dementia is a progressive neurocognitive disorder characterized by memory impairment, disorientation, and declining ability to perform activities of daily living. Home care management focuses on promoting safety, reducing confusion, and supporting remaining cognitive function. Clients benefit from structured environments, clear cues, and consistent routines. Nursing education for caregivers emphasizes strategies that enhance orientation and reduce environmental stressors. Rationale: A. Giving the client several choices of foods for meals can increase confusion and decision-making difficulty in dementia. Clients with cognitive decline often struggle with processing multiple options, which may lead to frustration or refusal to eat. Simplified choices, such as offering one or two options, are more appropriate. B. Labeling the door to the bathroom with a symbol provides visual cues that help orient the client and support independence. Dementia impairs memory and spatial recognition, so external memory aids are beneficial. Using clear signage reduces disorientation and promotes safe navigation within the home environment. C. Avoiding eye contact with the client is inappropriate because it may increase feelings of isolation and anxiety. Maintaining eye contact helps establish trust, improves communication, and provides reassurance. Therapeutic communication is essential in dementia care to support emotional well-being. D. Increasing environmental stimuli is not recommended for clients with dementia because it can lead to overstimulation and confusion. Excess noise, clutter, or activity may worsen agitation and disorientation. A calm, structured, and predictable environment is more supportive for cognitive stability and safety.