care Of The Dementia Patient

The CLC staff uses a non-verbal/noncognitive pain assessment tool with a resident with dementia who cannot communicate the presence of pain. This tool helps them assess and identify any pain the resident may be experiencing, despite their inability to verbally express it. By using this tool, the staff can effectively address and manage the resident's pain, ensuring their comfort and well-being.

The care plan for a resident with dementia should include the resident's personal goals, lifelong interests, preferences/routines for their activities of daily living. However, whether the resident can spell "world" backwards is not relevant to their care plan as it does not directly impact their well-being or quality of life.

The correct answer is "All of the above." If an at-risk resident of the CLC is missing, it is important to conduct a thorough preliminary search in all of the mentioned areas. This includes Wards 4B North and 4B South, offices near the CLC, and the areas out front where residents go when taken outside. By searching all of these areas, there is a higher chance of finding the missing resident and ensuring their safety.

Behavioral expressions of unmet needs refer to non-verbal actions or behaviors that individuals may exhibit when their needs are not being met. Motor restlessness, grimacing, rigidity of posture, and resistance to care are all examples of behavioral expressions that can indicate unmet needs. However, elevated blood sugar is a physiological response and not a behavioral expression. Therefore, it does not fit into the category of behavioral expressions of unmet needs.

Early use of antipsychotic medications to prevent the development of agitation is not considered a current best practice in dementia. Antipsychotic medications should only be used as a last resort for managing severe agitation and behavioral symptoms, and only after non-pharmacological approaches have been attempted. The focus should be on personalized approaches to behavioral expressions of unmet needs, supporting the resident through environmental cues, and implementing environmental measures that promote comfort.

The CLC staff involves the resident and their family in assessing (and reassessing) sensory capabilities, decision-making capacity, and signs of depression. This suggests that these three factors are important in evaluating the resident's overall well-being and determining appropriate care and support. The inclusion of "Only A, B, and C" implies that assessing abnormal involuntary movements is not part of this particular assessment process.

The nursing shift report for residents with dementia should include all of the mentioned elements because they are crucial for providing comprehensive care. Including information about behavioral symptoms helps the incoming nurse understand the resident's current condition. Identifying the causes of these symptoms allows for targeted interventions. Knowledge of successful approaches to care ensures continuity in providing effective treatment. Communication techniques with the resident and their family are essential for maintaining positive relationships and understanding their needs. Therefore, including all of these aspects in the shift report is necessary for providing quality care to residents with dementia.

A demented resident may wander due to unmet needs such as pain, hunger or thirst, bladder problems, and loneliness. Pain can cause restlessness and discomfort, leading the resident to wander in an attempt to find relief. Hunger or thirst can make the resident feel agitated and restless, leading them to wander in search of food or drink. Bladder problems can cause discomfort and the need to urinate frequently, prompting the resident to wander in search of a bathroom. Loneliness can lead to feelings of anxiety and restlessness, causing the resident to wander in search of social interaction or companionship.

Staff can alleviate behavioral expressions of unmet needs by implementing various strategies. Moving the resident to a quieter area can help reduce overstimulation and create a calmer environment. Gentle massage can provide comfort and relaxation, which can help address any physical discomfort the resident may be experiencing. Taking a walk with the resident can provide a change of scenery and promote physical activity, which can improve mood and reduce agitation. Engaging the resident in conversation can help address their emotional and social needs, providing them with a sense of connection and support. All of these strategies can be effective in addressing behavioral expressions of unmet needs.

When a patient with dementia is sent for a procedure, it is important to communicate the resident's Service-Centered status and eligibility for care to the receiving providers. This information ensures that the patient receives appropriate and necessary care during the procedure. However, a complete list of current medications, successful communication techniques, and successful personalized anxiety-reducing interventions are also important to communicate to the receiving providers as they help in providing comprehensive and effective care for the patient with dementia.