62. A resident says, 'I want to change my seat in the dining room. I do not want to sit by Sam. He keeps taking his dentures out during the meal.' After helping the resident find a new seat, the nurse aide should also
Answer: C
The nurse aide should report to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
Reporting to the nurse about Sam's behavior with his dentures is essential, as it may indicate that he is experiencing discomfort or issues that need to be addressed. This action ensures that Sam receives appropriate assistance and helps maintain the dignity and comfort of all residents during meals.
A) explain that dentures are a normal part of aging.
While it is true that dentures are common among older adults, simply explaining this to the resident does not address the underlying issue of Sam's behavior. This option fails to provide a solution for the discomfort experienced by the resident or to investigate possible problems Sam may be facing.
B) tell Sam to keep his dentures in his mouth during meals.
Instructing Sam to keep his dentures in during meals may seem like a direct solution but is not appropriate. This approach could be confrontational and does not consider that Sam may have legitimate issues with his dentures that require professional evaluation.
C) report to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
This option is correct because it involves communicating potential issues to the nurse, who can assess Sam's situation further. Addressing possible problems with Sam's dentures could lead to interventions that improve his dining experience and that of others.
D) suggest the resident ask the Resident Council to discuss denture manners.
While discussing denture manners in a Resident Council could promote awareness, it does not provide an immediate solution to the resident's discomfort. This approach may take time to implement and does not resolve the situation at hand.
Conclusion
The most appropriate course of action is to report to the nurse about Sam's potential denture issues, as it directly addresses the resident's concerns and ensures proper care is provided. Other options either fail to resolve the immediate discomfort, do not consider the underlying problems, or may introduce conflict without addressing the situation effectively.