The nurse is caring for an older adult patient who has early moderate cognitive impairment and has been diagnosed with dementia. When interacting with the patient's family, the nurse should include what information when providing teaching to family members regarding the patient's memory issues?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Remote memory (recall of past events) is retained longer than memory for recent events. For the patient, the experience of connecting with another person is more important than having an in-depth conversation. Family members can be encouraged to reminisce with dementia patients. This can be a meaningful experience for the family member, even when the patient cannot actively engage in the discussion, because it is a means of connecting. Asking mild to early moderate cognitively impaired older adults about their past life experiences serves as a way to connect verbally with those who might have difficulty telling you what they had for breakfast 2 hours ago.

The Nurse Is Caring for an Older Adult Patient Who