Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care - Chapter 19 Already Graded A

Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care - Chapter 19 Already Graded A cognition ability to think logically and clearly What does cognitive impairment affect? concentration and memory confusion inability to think logically and clearly. can be sudden or gradual, temporary or permanent. effects of confusion Can cause trouble focusing attention, disorientation, and can interfere with decision making. Also may change personality. causes of confusion UTI, Low Blood Sugar, head trauma, Dehydration, nutritional problems, Fever, drop in body temperature, Lack of oxygen , medications, Infections, Brain Tumor, diseases or illnesses, loss of sleep, seizures guidelines for confusion don't leave them alone, speak clearly / slowly, introduce yourself, remind them of their name, use simple instructions, be patient / don't rush, keep a routine, encourage use of glasses / hearing aids, promote Independence, keep poisons out of reach, observe / report delirium A state of severe confusion that occurs suddenly, usually temporary dementia An "umbrella" term that refers to a serious loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating causes of delirium Infection, disease, fluid imbalance, poor nutrition, drugs or alcohol progressive, degenerative, and irreversible Will advance/spread, get continually worse, cannot be cured skills a person with Alzheimer's usually retains Ones used most often over a lifetime. Example: Reading, simple math, writing, etc. more likely to get Alzheimer's disease elderly women three stages of Alzheimer's disease mild, moderate (longest duration), severe average lifespan of a person with Alzheimer's disease 4-8 years, but can live as long as 20 years. helpful personal attitudes when working with a resident who has Alzheimer's disease Do not take things personally, be empathetic, work with symptoms and behaviors noted, work as a team, be aware of difficulties associated with caregiving, work with family members, and remember goals of the care plan. communication techniques - frightened or anxious speak slowly/calmly, describe what you are doing, use simple words, check your body language communication techniques - memory loss repeat using same words, keep messages and tasks simple communication techniques - trouble finding words suggest words, unless it upsets resident communication techniques - can't understand basic instructions ask resident to repeat your words; note effective communication methods; use nonverbal cues; use signs, pictures, guestures, body language communication techniques - wants to say something but cannot encourage resident to point, gesture, or act it out; offer comfort; distract communication techniques - doesn't remember simple tasks break into simple steps communication techniques - doing something unsafe redirect communication techniques - hallucinating, paranoid, accusing don't take it personally, redirect, ignore communication techniques - depressed or lonely take time to listen, involve in activities communication techniques - asks to go home ask what home was like, redirect communication techniques - verbally abusive ignore, redirect communication techniques - lost verbal skills use nonverbal skills - touch, smiles, laughter; use signs and gestures; assume they understand more than they express general principles that will assist residents with personal care Develop a routine and stick to it, promote Independence, and take care of yourself mentally and physically. intervention a way to change an action or development guidelines for problems with toileting Encourage fluids, mark the bathroom with a sign or picture as a reminder of where it is, note when resident is incontinent, etc. agitation excited, restless, troubled sundowning When a person gets restless/agitated in the late afternoon, evening, or night. catastrophic reaction when a person with AD overreacts to something violent behavior when a person attacks, hits, or threatens someone delusions belief in things that are not true hallucinations sensing things that are not there (sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels) perseveration Repetitive phrasing disruptive behavior any behavior that disturbs others, such as yelling, banging, slamming doors inappropriate social behavior cursing, name calling, or yelling creative therapies for Alzheimers disease Validation therapy, Reminiscence therapy, Activity therapy validation therapy letting residents believe they live in the past or in imaginary circumstances reminiscence therapy encouraging residents to remember and talk about the past activity therapy using activities the resident enjoys to prevent boredom and frustration emotional and financial resources that affect how well families can cope with Alzheimers disease Community resources for Alzheimers disease Alzheimers Association, National Institute on Aging, healthcare professionals, support groups