Certified Neuroscience Registered Nurse (CNRN) Practice Exam

What is the best strategy to ensure that a patient in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease can carry out complex instructions?

1. Written instructions only

2. Verbal cues only

3. Visual aids without verbal assistance

4. Both verbal and nonverbal cues simultaneously

The correct answer is: Both verbal and nonverbal cues simultaneously

The best strategy to ensure that a patient in the middle stages of Alzheimer's disease can carry out complex instructions is to use both verbal and nonverbal cues simultaneously. This approach caters to the unique communication needs of individuals with Alzheimer's, who often benefit from multiple forms of communication. In the middle stages of the disease, patients may struggle with memory, comprehension, and processing information. Verbal cues alone may not be sufficient, as their ability to understand spoken language can be impaired. Nonverbal cues, such as gestures, facial expressions, and visual aids, can help reinforce the verbal instructions. When both forms of communication are used together, they can provide clearer guidance and enhance understanding, leading to better compliance with the intended tasks. Using visual aids, in particular, can be crucial for individuals who may have difficulty retaining verbal information. For example, showing pictures or demonstrating an activity can enhance their grasp of what is expected. Combining these approaches supports a multi-sensory experience that is more likely to resonate with the patient's current cognitive capabilities, making it an effective strategy for facilitating task completion.