The caregiver of a client with Alzheimer's disease reports to the nurse that often the client will suddenly become angry during meals and nothing seems to calm him down. The nurse teaches the caregiver to use distraction techniques. Which response would be best to teach as an example of this technique?

Question

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Distraction involves shifting the client's attention and energy to a more neutral topic. For example, the client may display a catastrophic reaction to the current situation, such as jumping up from dinner and saying, My food tastes like poison! The nurse might intervene with distraction by saying, Can you come to the kitchen with me and find something you'd like to eat? or You can leave that food. Can you come and help me find a good program on television? (redirection/distraction). Influencing behavior with a reward is a behavioral technique. Asking a direct question is ineffective. Clarification is used to try to determine meaning behind the client's message.

The Caregiver of a Client with Alzheimer's Disease Reports to the Nurse