A newly admitted client with dementia presents with agitation. Which action by the practical nurse may provide immediate help to manage her agitation?

A newly admitted client with dementia presents with agitation. Which action by the practical nurse may provide immediate help to manage her agitation?

• A. Sit and talk with Mrs. Ensoy to find out what is bothering her.
• B. Orient Mrs. Ensoy to the reality of her new environment.
• C. Hand Mrs. Ensoy a cloth and ask her to dust the furniture.
• D. Administer the ordered medication, risperidone (Risperdal).

Answer: (C)

When someone with dementia becomes agitated, giving them a simple, meaningful task that uses their remaining abilities can calm them quickly. Offering a cloth and inviting them to dust provides a hands-on activity that redirects energy, gives sensory engagement, and creates a sense of purpose. The repetitive, familiar action is soothing, reduces stimulation, and can be done with minimal need for complex communication, making it an immediate, safe way to ease agitation. In contrast, trying to orient the person to reality can increase distress during agitation, and administering medication requires a clinician’s order rather than a nurse-initiated action. So, providing a simple task like dusting is the most effective quick step to help manage agitation.

When someone with dementia becomes agitated, giving them a simple, meaningful task that uses their remaining abilities can calm them quickly. Offering a cloth and inviting them to dust provides a hands-on activity that redirects energy, gives sensory engagement, and creates a sense of purpose. The repetitive, familiar action is soothing, reduces stimulation, and can be done with minimal need for complex communication, making it an immediate, safe way to ease agitation. In contrast, trying to orient the person to reality can increase distress during agitation, and administering medication requires a clinician’s order rather than a nurse-initiated action. So, providing a simple task like dusting is the most effective quick step to help manage agitation.