Answer choices
- A explain that dentures are a normal part of aging.
- B tell Sam to keep his dentures in his mouth during meals.
- C report to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
- D suggest the resident ask the Resident Council to discuss denture manners.
Correct answer: C. report to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
Clinical Rationale
Reporting to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
In this scenario, the nurse aide should take the resident's concern seriously and consider the possibility that Sam's behavior may be due to issues with his dentures, such as discomfort or improper fit.
A) Explain that dentures are a normal part of aging.
While educating about the normalcy of dentures in aging individuals is important, it does not directly address the resident's discomfort or the potential issue with Sam's behavior during meals.
B) Tell Sam to keep his dentures in his mouth during meals.
Directly instructing Sam to keep his dentures in his mouth may not be appropriate without understanding the underlying reason for his behavior, which could be related to discomfort or other problems with the dentures.
C) Report to the nurse that Sam may be having problems with his dentures.
Correct. Reporting this concern to the nurse can help address the root cause of Sam's behavior and ensure that he receives appropriate assistance or adjustments for his dentures.
D) Suggest the resident ask the Resident Council to discuss denture manners.
While involving the Resident Council may be a valid approach for addressing communal dining etiquette, it does not directly address the potential issue with Sam's dentures or the resident's discomfort in the immediate situation.
Conclusion
By reporting the concern to the nurse, the nurse aide can facilitate a targeted response to address Sam's potential denture problems, ensuring both his comfort during meals and a respectful dining environment for all residents. This action promotes quality care and responsiveness to individual needs within the care setting.