Practice Documenting: Behaviors

You are taking care of Brigitta on the 3–11 shift today. When you come on shift, Brigitta is happy-go-lucky and wants to chat about their former work as a preschool teacher. They go to activities at 1530 and participate with their friends painting May Day cards to hand out to children at an upcoming event next week. You assist them to the restroom before dinner and help them wash their hands. You take them to dinner at 1730. As they are eating their temper starts to flare. They can’t get the butter on their bread by themself. You ask if you can help them, but they scream, “Get away from me!” They start to argue with their table mates about what day of the week it is and what time the school children need to get on the bus. They get so agitated that they leave the dining room. They pace back and forth in front of the door looking for a school bus to arrive. You redirect them by asking them to come and sit at the nurse’s station with you. They do so without incident. You offer them a cup of tea. They seem to calm down and chat with you while drinking their tea. At 1900 you attempt to take them to the restroom, but they refuse and yell, “Leave me alone—I am busy getting ready for the children!” At 1930 you try once again to help them to the restroom. They charge toward you aggressively but stop before striking. They start to scream, “Quit attacking me! Help! Help! Help!” You give them some space and offer them another cup of tea. They accept and sit with you at the nurse’s station. By 2100 they have calmed down, so you ask, “Would you like to go for a walk with me?” to which they respond, “Yes.” They allow you to walk them to their room. Once there, you ask which pajamas they like best, and they point to the pink flowered nightgown. You assist them to the restroom and help them with bedtime cares and in getting their pajamas on. They settle in for the night and are less agitated. As you are pulling the covers up over their body, they pinch your arm and say, “That’s for not letting the kids get on the bus!”

How would you document Brigitta’s behaviors on the 3–11 shift?