An older adult with dementia becomes anxious and says, "I need to go home to feed my children." Which response by the nurse is most therapeutic?
1You sound worried about your children; let's walk together and talk about them.✓ Correct answer
2I understand you want to leave, but the door is locked to keep everyone safe.
3Your children are grown and don't need feeding; you're safe here with us.
4You don't need to feed your children; let's focus on something else right now.
Explanation
Validation and gentle redirection reduce distress while preserving dignity. Arguing with the client's reality, threatening locked doors, or dismissing feelings can escalate agitation. The nurse should acknowledge emotion and redirect to a safe activity.
Clinical Judgment Use the client cues, timing, labs, and safety risks to select the response that best fits Dementia validation and redirection.
Memory Tip Match the strongest cue cluster to the safest nursing judgment.
KR vs US NCLEX items reward cue-based priority thinking rather than isolated recall.
Clinical Practice GuideFor Dementia validation and redirection, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.
CautionDo not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.
Dementia — A progressive decline in cognition that can affect memory, judgment, and behavior.
Validation — Acknowledging the emotion behind a client's statement.
Redirection — Guiding attention toward a safe, calming activity.