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?

• A.Answer calmly and patiently each time as if it were the first time she asked
• B.Say, 'I already told you three times, please stop asking me'
• C.Refuse to answer so she learns to remember on her own
• D.Write the answer down and scold her if she does not read it

Why

Repetitive questioning reflects memory loss, not stubbornness, so patient, consistent answers reduce anxiety. Scolding or refusing to answer increases distress and damages trust.

Content outline: Psychosocial Care Skills - Emotional and Mental Health Needs: Dementia Care · From the Psychosocial Care Skills practice bank (PS-025).

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?
• Why is keeping the same daily routine and familiar objects helpful for a resident with dementia?