When caring for this patient, the nurse should What intervention is usually effective when caring for a patient experiencing a catastrophic reaction to an environmental stimulus?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Instead of focusing on the behavior, the nurse should try to identify and eliminate the cause(s). The nurse can use distraction to move older adults away from the offending stimuli in the environment. Older adults with memory loss lack the cognitive ability to develop alternatives. They emotionally overreact to situations and can have what look like temper tantrums in response to real or perceived frustration. Older adult tantrums are called catastrophic reactions and represent a completely disorganized set of responses. Usually there is something in the immediate environment that precipitates the reaction. Fatigue, multiple demands, overstimulation, misinterpretations, or an inability to meet expectations are contributing factors.

When Caring for This Patient, the Nurse Should What Intervention