A resident with dementia keeps trying to open a locked storage door because she thinks it is her front door. What is a helpful response?

• A.Gently guide her away, offer a drink or activity, and report repeated exit-seeking to the nurse
• B.Scold her for touching doors that do not belong to her
• C.Give her a key so she can try opening it herself
• D.Stand in front of the door and push her back each time

Why

Gentle guidance plus redirection meets the underlying wish to go somewhere familiar without a physical struggle. Scolding, giving keys to restricted areas, or pushing creates safety risks.

Content outline: Psychosocial Care Skills - Emotional and Mental Health Needs: Dementia Care · From the Psychosocial Care Skills practice bank (PS-049).

Practice this domain as a full test

More Dementia & Alzheimer's Care questions

• Mr. Bennett, who has Alzheimer's disease, insists his late wife is in the hallway waiting for him. What is the best response?
• A resident with dementia keeps packing a bag and saying she must go home to cook for her children, who are now adults. How should the nursing assistant respond?
• Mrs. Singh becomes more restless, confused, and irritable each day in the late afternoon. This pattern is most consistent with what, and what helps?
• A resident with dementia walks repeatedly toward the exit, saying he needs to get to work. What is the safest response?
• A resident with Alzheimer's disease asks, 'When is lunch?' five minutes after being told, and then asks again. How should the nursing assistant respond?