Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

How should a nurse reassure a client with Alzheimer disease who is feeling fearful about admission?

1. Encourage the client to talk about their fears

2. Reassure the client with the presence of familiar staff members

3. Redirect the client to group activities

4. Provide literature on Alzheimer disease

The correct answer is: Reassure the client with the presence of familiar staff members

The choice to reassure the client with the presence of familiar staff members is particularly effective because individuals with Alzheimer's disease often experience confusion and anxiety, especially in new or changing environments such as a hospital or care facility. Familiar faces can evoke a sense of safety and comfort, which can help alleviate fear and anxiety. Knowing that there are trusted and recognized caregivers nearby allows the individual to feel more secure and less isolated in an unfamiliar setting. This approach directly addresses their emotional needs by providing a stable and reassuring presence. In contrast, while encouraging the client to talk about their fears may be beneficial in some contexts, individuals with Alzheimer's often have difficulty articulating complex feelings or may not fully understand their fears, making this option less effective in practice. Redirecting the client to group activities can be useful for distraction, but it may not address the underlying fear or anxiety they are experiencing about the admission. Providing literature on Alzheimer's disease, although informative, is unlikely to alleviate immediate fears and is not supportive in the moment when the client is seeking reassurance.