An 84-year-old female resident with dementia in an extended-care facility rapidly paces the halls and the common areas from right after breakfast to bedtime. What should be included in the nursing plan of care?
A) Restrain the resident from pacing.
B) Apply a bracelet that sounds an alarm if the resident leaves the building.
C) Encourage rest by asking her to sit and have a glass of juice or a snack.
D) Pace with her and engage her in conversations.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Restraint should never be the first option for managing the behavior of a resident with dementia as it violates their rights and may increase agitation. Applying a bracelet that sounds an alarm is also not the best option as it may cause distress and agitation for the resident. Pacing with the resident and engaging in conversations may be helpful, but it may not be sustainable for staff members to do this throughout the day. Encouraging rest by offering a glass of juice or a snack may help reduce the resident's agitation by addressing their physical needs and providing a calming break. It may also be helpful to provide the resident with a sensory-rich environment, such as music or a comfortable chair, to help them relax.

An 84-Year-Old Female Resident with Dementia in an Extended-Care Facility