A daughter tells the nurse that her mother is frequently confused, but

A daughter tells the nurse that her mother is frequently confused, but what is really upsetting is that she is incontinent during the night. “All I do is watch her and wash sheets,” the daughter says.

Which of the following suggestions should the nurse provide to the daughter?
a.
Explain about respite care or the need to ask other family members to help so the daughter can have some time off
b.
It’s time to have her mother go into a nursing home where they can give her the care she needs.
c.
Refer the daughter to Adult Protective Services so responsibility for her mother’s care may be assumed by an agency prepared for such tasks
d.
Teach the daughter how to establish a toileting routine for the mother to help control the incontinence

ESSAYBID ANSWER

ANS: A
The best approach—because the daughter is willing to share her feelings with you—is to see whether there is anyone else in the family to help so the daughter can be less overwhelmed. If the mother has Alzheimer’s, any number of resources are available for respite for the caregiver, support groups for both client and family, and day care facilities for the client. Adult Protective Services assists in cases of abuse. The daughter is stressed and may become an abuser if assistance is not found. A toileting routine would probably not be successful during the night. Although a nursing home is possible, many families cannot afford such care or do not want a family member sent there.