Question

An older adult with dementia lives with family and attends day care. after observing poor hygiene, the nurse at the center talks with the patient's adult child. this caregiver becomes defensive and says, "it takes all my time and energy to care for my mother. she's awake all night. i never get any sleep." which nursing intervention has priority?

Answer 1

When the nurse observes that the older patient is suffering from poor hygiene and confronts the patients child who becomes defensive noting that it takes all her time and energy to care for, having to get up with her all night, never sleeping, the nurse should immediately secure additional resources for the evening and night care because it is clear that more help is needed for the patient.