1. Dementia
Definition and Nature:
• What It Is: Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments characterized
by a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It affects daily
functioning and can alter personality and behavior.
• No Cure: Currently, there is no cure for dementia. Treatment focuses on managing
symptoms and improving quality of life. Approaches include medications, therapies, and
support for caregivers.
2. Care Plan for Cognitively Impaired Patients
Safety and Routine:
• Safety Measures: Ensure a secure environment with minimized fall risks, clear pathways,
and accessible call systems. Use alarms or sensors to prevent wandering.
• Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine to help the patient feel more secure and
reduce confusion. This includes regular mealtimes, sleep schedules, and activity periods.
3. Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
• General Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Hypoxia: Look for signs of oxygen deficiency such as cyanosis (bluish skin or lips),
confusion, rapid breathing, and decreased oxygen saturation levels.
4. Medication Classifications and Their Effects on Sleep
Interfering with Sleep:
• Stimulants: Medications like caffeine, certain antidepressants, and some
antihypertensives can disrupt sleep.
• ACE Inhibitors: These can cause cough or throat irritation that might affect sleep.
• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): While used as a sleep aid, it can lead to daytime drowsiness
and confusion, especially in the elderly.
Promoting Sleep:
• Hypnotics: Medications like zolpidem or eszopiclone help initiate sleep.
• Benzodiazepines: Drugs like lorazepam or diazepam can assist with sleep but may lead to
dependency and cognitive issues in long-term use.
5. Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
• Symptoms: Loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness,
difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Risk Factors:
, • Smoking, Diabetes, Obesity: These increase the likelihood of sleep apnea. Men are more
commonly affected.
Care Instructions:
• Should Do: Follow CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, maintain a healthy
weight, and avoid alcohol and sedatives.
• Should Not Do: Avoid sleeping on the back and refrain from smoking.
6. Insomnia
• Definition: A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or
waking too early, leading to daytime impairment.
7. Sleep Disorders
• Types: Includes insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.
Understanding these disorders involves knowing their specific symptoms and management
strategies.
Review Stages of Sleep:
• NREM Sleep: Includes stages 1 (light sleep), 2 (deeper sleep), and 3 (deep sleep or slow-
wave sleep).
• REM Sleep: Characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming. It is crucial for
cognitive functions and emotional regulation.
8. Expected Changes in Older Adults Regarding Reproduction
• Women: Post-menopausal changes include cessation of menstruation, reduced estrogen
levels, and increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
• Men: May experience reduced testosterone levels, which can affect libido and erectile
function.
9. Definition and Phases of Sexuality
• Sexuality: Encompasses physical, emotional, and social aspects of sexual expression and
identity.
• Sexual Response Phases: Excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution, and refractory period.
10. Education for Post-Menopausal Women
• Sign and Symptom Management: Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle
changes (diet, exercise), and regular screenings for osteoporosis and cardiovascular health.
11. Signs and Symptoms of Physiological Stress
• Symptoms: Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, headaches,
and gastrointestinal disturbances.
Definition and Nature:
• What It Is: Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of cognitive impairments characterized
by a progressive decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills. It affects daily
functioning and can alter personality and behavior.
• No Cure: Currently, there is no cure for dementia. Treatment focuses on managing
symptoms and improving quality of life. Approaches include medications, therapies, and
support for caregivers.
2. Care Plan for Cognitively Impaired Patients
Safety and Routine:
• Safety Measures: Ensure a secure environment with minimized fall risks, clear pathways,
and accessible call systems. Use alarms or sensors to prevent wandering.
• Routine: Establish a consistent daily routine to help the patient feel more secure and
reduce confusion. This includes regular mealtimes, sleep schedules, and activity periods.
3. Signs and Symptoms of Pneumonia
• General Symptoms: Fever, cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
• Hypoxia: Look for signs of oxygen deficiency such as cyanosis (bluish skin or lips),
confusion, rapid breathing, and decreased oxygen saturation levels.
4. Medication Classifications and Their Effects on Sleep
Interfering with Sleep:
• Stimulants: Medications like caffeine, certain antidepressants, and some
antihypertensives can disrupt sleep.
• ACE Inhibitors: These can cause cough or throat irritation that might affect sleep.
• Benadryl (Diphenhydramine): While used as a sleep aid, it can lead to daytime drowsiness
and confusion, especially in the elderly.
Promoting Sleep:
• Hypnotics: Medications like zolpidem or eszopiclone help initiate sleep.
• Benzodiazepines: Drugs like lorazepam or diazepam can assist with sleep but may lead to
dependency and cognitive issues in long-term use.
5. Signs and Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
• Symptoms: Loud snoring, choking or gasping during sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness,
difficulty concentrating, and irritability.
Risk Factors:
, • Smoking, Diabetes, Obesity: These increase the likelihood of sleep apnea. Men are more
commonly affected.
Care Instructions:
• Should Do: Follow CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) therapy, maintain a healthy
weight, and avoid alcohol and sedatives.
• Should Not Do: Avoid sleeping on the back and refrain from smoking.
6. Insomnia
• Definition: A sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or
waking too early, leading to daytime impairment.
7. Sleep Disorders
• Types: Includes insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, and narcolepsy.
Understanding these disorders involves knowing their specific symptoms and management
strategies.
Review Stages of Sleep:
• NREM Sleep: Includes stages 1 (light sleep), 2 (deeper sleep), and 3 (deep sleep or slow-
wave sleep).
• REM Sleep: Characterized by rapid eye movement and vivid dreaming. It is crucial for
cognitive functions and emotional regulation.
8. Expected Changes in Older Adults Regarding Reproduction
• Women: Post-menopausal changes include cessation of menstruation, reduced estrogen
levels, and increased risk for osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues.
• Men: May experience reduced testosterone levels, which can affect libido and erectile
function.
9. Definition and Phases of Sexuality
• Sexuality: Encompasses physical, emotional, and social aspects of sexual expression and
identity.
• Sexual Response Phases: Excitement, plateau, orgasm, resolution, and refractory period.
10. Education for Post-Menopausal Women
• Sign and Symptom Management: Discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle
changes (diet, exercise), and regular screenings for osteoporosis and cardiovascular health.
11. Signs and Symptoms of Physiological Stress
• Symptoms: Increased heart rate, elevated blood pressure, muscle tension, headaches,
and gastrointestinal disturbances.
