A client with Alzheimer's disease who is confused: which action should the nurse take?

• A. Give them a familiar item (dolls, bear).
• B. Question their identity to confirm who they are.
• C. Startle them to regain attention.
• D. Restrict access to personal belongings.

Answer: (A)

When someone with Alzheimer's is confused, providing comfort through familiar cues helps reduce anxiety and supports emotional security. Giving a familiar item, like a doll or a teddy bear, gives the person a tangible link to memory and identity. It can anchor them in the moment, soothe agitation, and promote a sense of control and recognition without challenging their reality.

Questioning their identity or identity confrontation tends to provoke distress and resistance rather than help. Startling someone to regain attention is harmful and can trigger fear or aggression. Restricting access to personal belongings can remove sources of comfort and dignity, worsening confusion and withdrawal. By offering a familiar object and engaging calmly around it, you support reassurance, orientation, and a more peaceful interaction.