An 82-year-old former restaurant owner walks to the nursing station and states, "I have to go. The restaurant opens at 11 am." Which response by the nurse is the most appropriate?

Question

Options

• A"Go back to your room. You do not own a restaurant."
• B"You are in the hospital now. Calm down."
• C"You once owned a restaurant. Tell me about it."
• D"It is snowing outside. The restaurant is closed."

• A
  9% (3)
• B
  15% (5)
• C
  74% (25)
• D
  3% (1)

Explanation

(A) This response cuts off communication with the client. It does not address her feelings. (B) Reality orientation frequently does not work alone. Feelings must be addressed. Telling a client to calm down is frequently ineffective. (C) Reminiscence is used here to reorient and recall past pleasant events. Talking about the restaurant will allay anxiety. (D) This response may confirm to the client that she indeed does still own a restaurant, buying into her confusion. Her feelings and anxiety require nursing intervention.

No community discussion yet for this question.