A nurse is reinforcing teaching about self-care with an adolescent client who has infectious mononucleosis with splenomegaly.
Which of the following statements by the client indicates an understanding of the teaching?

Face the client at eye level when communicating.

This is because eye contact helps to establish rapport and trust with the client who has dementia and shows respect and attention. Facing the client at eye level also reduces distractions and background noise that might interfere with communication.

Choice B is wrong because offering correction of incorrect client statements can increase confusion, frustration, and agitation in the client who has dementia. Instead of correcting the client, the nurse should acknowledge their feelings and try to understand their perspective.

Choice C is wrong because reorienting the client to date and time with each encounter can be stressful and ineffective for the client who has dementia. Reorientation may work in the early stages of dementia, but as the disease progresses, the client may lose their ability to retain new information and may become more disoriented. Instead of reorienting the client, the nurse should use orienting names or labels whenever possible, such as “Your son, Jack” .

Choice D is wrong because avoiding using gestures when communicating with the client who has dementia can limit the nurse’s ability to convey meaning and emotion. Gestures can help to supplement verbal communication and provide cues for the client who has difficulty understanding words. However, the nurse should avoid using gestures that might be misinterpreted or threatening to the client, such as pointing or waving .

Verapamil is a calcium channel blocker that can lower the heart rate and blood pressure. A normal pulse rate for adults is between 60 and 100 beats per minute. A pulse rate of 48/min is too low and indicates bradycardia, which can cause dizziness, fainting, or cardiac arrest. Verapamil should not be given to patients with bradycardia or heart block.

Choice A is wrong because blood pressure 170/82 mm Hg is high and verapamil can help lower it. A normal blood pressure for adults is less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Choice B is wrong because respiratory rate 18/min is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal respiratory rate for adults is between 12 and 20 breaths per minute.

Choice D is wrong because potassium 4 mEq/L is normal and verapamil does not affect it. A normal potassium level for adults is between 3.5 and 5.0 mEq/L.