During an activity in the recreation room the nurse notes a resident staring with a puzzled expression after instructions for a group activity are given. What should the nurse do to assist this resident?

During an activity in the recreation room the nurse notes a resident staring with a puzzled expression after instructions for a group activity are given. What should the nurse do to assist this resident?

• A. Talk louder in the future
• B. Lower the room lights
• C. Repeat the information after making eye contact
• D. Hold the resident's hand

Answer: (C)

When an older adult seems puzzled after receiving instructions, the priority is to ensure they heard and understood what was said. In geriatrics, hearing changes and slower processing can make it easy for a resident to miss part of a message in a noisy group setting. Face the resident, establish eye contact, and then state the instructions in clear, simple language. After that, have the resident repeat back or paraphrase what was said. This confirms comprehension, gives them a moment to process, and allows for quick clarification if needed. Raising the volume or lowering the lights doesn’t address understanding in the moment, and holding the resident’s hand in a group setting could be misread or intrusive. The key is engaging directly, speaking clearly, and confirming understanding with a repeat-back.

When an older adult seems puzzled after receiving instructions, the priority is to ensure they heard and understood what was said. In geriatrics, hearing changes and slower processing can make it easy for a resident to miss part of a message in a noisy group setting. Face the resident, establish eye contact, and then state the instructions in clear, simple language. After that, have the resident repeat back or paraphrase what was said. This confirms comprehension, gives them a moment to process, and allows for quick clarification if needed.

Raising the volume or lowering the lights doesn’t address understanding in the moment, and holding the resident’s hand in a group setting could be misread or intrusive. The key is engaging directly, speaking clearly, and confirming understanding with a repeat-back.