21 COGNITIVEDISORDERS 533
NURSING CARE PLAN DEMENTIA
Nursing Diagnosis
➤Impaired Memory
Inability to remember or recall bits of information or behavioral skills.ASSESSMENTDATA
- Inability to recall factual information
or events - Inability to learn new material or re-
call previously learned material - Inability to determine if a behavior
was performed - Agitation or anxiety regarding memory
loss
EXPECTEDOUTCOMES
Immediate
The client will- Respond positively to memory cues
- Demonstrate decreased agitation or
anxiety
Stabilization
The client will - Attain an optimal level of function-
ing with routine tasks - Use long-term memory effectively as
long as it remains intact - Verbalize or demonstrate decreased
frustration with memory loss
Community
The client will - Feel respected and supported
IMPLEMENTATION
Nursing Interventions *denotes collaborative interventions Rationale
Long-term memory remains intact even after the
client begins to lose recent memory function.
Reminiscence is usually an enjoyable activity for
the client.Written cues decrease the client’s need to recall
appointments, activities, and so on without
assistance.There is less demand on memory function when
structure is incorporated in the client’s environ-
ment and daily routine.Clients with memory impairment cannot remem-
ber multistep instructions.Provide opportunities for reminiscence or recall of
past events. This can be done on a one-to-one
basis or in a small group.
Encourage the client to use written cues such as a
calendar, lists, or a notebook.
Keep environmental changes to a necessary mini-
mum. Determine practical and convenient loca-
tions for the client’s possessions, and return items
to this location after use. Establish a usual rou-
tine of activities and alter the routine only when
necessary.
Provide single step instructions for the client
when instructions are needed.
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