Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) Practice

What is a recommended strategy for managing agitation in clients with Alzheimer disease?

1. Isolate the client from others

2. Redirect the client’s attention

3. Allow the client to express all frustrations

4. Implement strict routines without variation

The correct answer is: Redirect the client’s attention

Redirecting the client’s attention is a recommended strategy for managing agitation in individuals with Alzheimer disease. This approach focuses on shifting the individual’s focus from a distressing stimulus or situation to something more pleasant or neutral. By doing this, caregivers can help prevent escalation of agitation and promote a sense of calm. This technique is beneficial because it recognizes that individuals with Alzheimer's may become easily overwhelmed or frustrated by their environment or circumstances due to cognitive decline. Redirecting their attention can help them engage in a more positive activity, such as looking at a photo album, listening to music, or participating in a simple game. This strategy not only aids in reducing agitation but also helps maintain the individual's dignity and encourages interaction. In contrast, isolating the client from others could enhance feelings of loneliness and anxiety, which may further exacerbate agitation instead of alleviating it. Allowing individuals to express all their frustrations might not always be beneficial, as it could lead to increased agitation without constructive resolution. Similarly, implementing strict routines without variation may not accommodate the client’s fluctuating abilities and emotional needs, potentially increasing their distress rather than providing stability.