These limited verbal communication abilities includes learning disabilities and language impairment. The other article in the Nursing Standard, discussed the use of pain assessment tools in older patients with cognitive impairment because they are unable to describe or communicate their pain due to dementia or Alzheimer’s. These articles discussed the pain assessment tools that can be used to help identify this subjective data in an attempt to make pain a more manageable symptom. Harper, K., Bell, S. (2006). A pain assessment tool for patients with
There are arguments to support that many older people leave hospital less able to function or mobilise than when they were admitted (de Morton, Keating & Jeffs 2007). This is due to the occurrence of deconditioning, a risk for many elderly patients admitted to an acute hospital setting. Deconditioning refers to the significant decline in the functional ability of patients, and is generally associated with prolonged bed rest and immobility (Kortebein, 2008). The term is used to describe the physiological changes caused by inactivity, with virtually every body system affected (Eliopoulos, 2010), and it also incorporates functional losses in mental status, ability to accomplish activities of daily living (ADLs) and a decrease in muscle mass and strength (Gillis, MacDonald & MacIsaac 2008). Hospitalisation is often the cause of deconditioning, particularly due to the focus on bed rest in order to recover from illness, or the limited mobility resulting from surgery.
Other early warning signs that Mr Lusk has presented with are deficits in language often people with Dementia forget how to speak simple words which can impact on the ability to have a conversation with the person, judgement, insight and thinking are also signs of Dementia people with Dementia have a hard time with abstract thinking and can’t problem solve as well as they use to. All the deficits that Mr Lusk has presented with do help confirm that Mr Lusk is suffering from Dementia. (Croft, 2010) 2. What investigations would help to confirm a medical diagnosis of Dementia? Mr Lusk had a mental exam performed on him when he was admitted to hospital which did show signs of memory loss and impaired cognitive functions other investigations that would help confirm a medical diagnosis of dementia would be to take a clinical history from the patients family, a
Functions that are affected by dementia are; Short term Memory loss, Language skills, the ability to interpret information, spatial skills, judgement and attention. These are all affected with the different types of dementia due to which part of the brain is affected. Depression, Delirium and age related memory impairment may be mistaken for dementia as the individual may present with similar signs and symptoms to dementia. To ensure weather these conditions are dementia or not a full assessment needs to be carried out by a qualified doctor. The medical model of dementia sees dementia as being degenerative with no cure.
The word is known by most, yet the condition remains untreated and generally downgraded to grumpiness in older adults (Hunter, 2012). As age increases, so does the loss of family and friends, which often means the number of emotional experiences through grief and other sad occasions, increases too (Hunter, 2012). This is the normal ageing process, however prolonged periods of depression that interfere with the person’s ability to function independently are not (National Institute of Mental Health, 2007). The purpose of this paper is to explore the theories and classification of depression, including the risk factors of the condition and the detrimental effects depression can have on daily living. It considers tools used to screen depression and the assessments and interventions used in nursing to improve health and overall wellbeing of the sufferer.
After the Second World War the shortage was horrible. Now, many Americans are experiencing a serious shortage of nurses within the healthcare facilities. The shortage is caused by different factors that include aging workforce, reduction in the number of graduates from nursing schools, poor wages and other job working conditions. In addition, these shortages are forcing nurses to look for better paying jobs, such as private nursing. There is a variety of recommendations being examined as we speak.
Physical Development Mdm Y belongs to the young-old category which is 65-74 years old. The physical development of elderly causes changes to their bodily system. The sensory system have reduced sensitivity due to aging like blur vision. The musculoskeletal system restricts movement due to the changes in her muscle and bone functions. The cardiovascular systems causes accumulation of fatty material in the heart muscle and arteries, and can contribute to high blood pressure.
In this case, if a patient in the ward was to catch one off these infections from dirty cups, it would be harder for them to recover due to them being elderly and having a lower immune system than someone that was young and healthy, so in some cases little infections like this from been given a dirty cup to drink from can sometimes lead to death. Another recommendation that was made in the scenario in a ward which included a patient suffering from dementia was that staff should be trained more regularly on how to manage patients when lifting them to different places. I recommended that
Dementia can affect adults of all ages and can often be confused with delirium. Delirium is a temporary decline in function of the brain that can be restored when the underlying cause is treated. Dementia is a progressive, non-curable process that is detrimental to both the person suffering from the disease but also the care takers. It is important as a nurse to be familiar with dementia and also to be educated on the different treatments used as many of these patients end up not only in nursing homes but also in the emergency department and medical-surgical floors of local hospitals. There is a growing
Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness Nurs 440 May 27, 2013 Vulnerable Population and Self Awareness There are many types of vulnerable populations in today’s society that are vulnerable to certain illnesses or diseases. One of the most common vulnerable populations is the elderly. As the age increases most often it also corresponds with cognitive changes, specifically dementia. Chronic illnesses in the elderly increase their vulnerability and begin to be more dependent on others for assistance. Upon growing older there many choices to be made and one of the most difficult is having to place the elder person in a nursing home when he/she is no longer capable of being independent.