# 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?

> source: MyMerci (mymerci.kr)  
> url: https://mymerci.kr/pages/nclex_q.php?qn_id=397352&lang=en  
> language: en  
> subject: Mental Health Concepts  
> category: PSI

## Question

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?

## Option

1. Your children are adults, so that statement is not true.
2. You cannot leave because the door is locked.
3. Stop worrying and sit quietly.
4. You sound worried about your children; let's walk together and talk about them. **✔ Correct answer**

**Correct answer: 4**

## 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.

## In-depth explanation

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 scenario

Clinical Practice Guide
For Dementia validation and redirection, compare the complete cue pattern with the client's current stability, ordered data, and expected nursing scope.

Caution
Do not choose an action from one isolated cue when the full scenario changes priority or safety.

## Key concepts

- **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.

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