Alzheimer's: The Elusive Mind Stealer V2(3010)   View online course now

New 2008

Authors:

Sharon Fish Mooney, RN, PhD
Shelda L. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN

Alzheimer's disease is a complex, progressive, degenerative, irreversible brain disorder for which there is no definable cause, no definitive treatment, and, to date, no foreseeable cure. It is considered the most common type of dementia-related illness for men and women over the age of 65. Approximately 5 million Americans are currently afflicted, including some under the age of 65, who have what is commonly known as early-onset Alzheimer's. Over 100,000 persons die annually from this disease that is considered the fourth leading cause of death in the elderly, after heart disease, cancer and stroke. The National Institute on Aging (NIA) projects that up to 14 million Americans may suffer from Alzheimer's disease by the year 2040. Statistics are similar in other countries where life expectancy reaches into the sixties and seventies. Alzheimer's is not a uniquely American phenomenon.

Course objectives include:

• Define Alzheimer's disease and related terminology.
• Outline myths and misconceptions associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• Name signs and symptoms characteristic of early, intermediate and late stage Alzheimer's disease.
• Define structural and neurochemical changes in the brain associated with Alzheimer's disease.
• Compare the difference between reversible and irreversible dementia and list examples of both types.
• Name various procedures for differential diagnosis of dementia and explain the importance of early symptom recognition and assessment.
• List the effect of cognitive changes on memory, language and the ability to communicate with others and list and describe strategies to enhance memory and facilitate communication with persons with dementia.
• Define physical, psychosocial and environmental stressors that can increase confusion and disorientation and describe ways to eliminate, alleviate, and modify these stressors.
• Outline helpful strategies to prevent and modify common catastrophic reactions and wandering behavior.
• Identify nursing interventions specifically related to safety, nutrition, hydration, personal hygiene, and elimination needs.
• List various medications commonly used to treat persons with Alzheimer's disease including their actions and potential side effects.
• Enumerate specific ways to modify the environment to enhance family and professional care giving and ensure optimum safety for the Alzheimer's sufferer.
• State the importance of emotional and spiritual support for both Alzheimer's sufferers and family caregivers and define ways to enhance these types of support.
• Identify practical procedures for caring for someone who is dying.
• Distinguish between emotional reactions and coping styles and strategies for family caregivers.
• Utilize knowledge to prepare a patient teaching plan.

Allergies: More Than A Sneeze (3021) View online course now

New 2008

Author: Shelda L. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN

In 1906, a physician, Clement Von Pirquet, coined the term from two Greek words allos meaning "changed or altered state" and ergon meaning "reaction or reactivity", implying a hypersensitivity to a specific substance(s) that does not cause symptoms in most people. Allergy is defined as an adverse physiologic or biologic reaction resulting from interaction of antigen and humoral antibody or lymphoid cells and occurring in a host sensitized by prior exposure to the antigen. Any study of allergy must be based on the immunological process, the root of all allergic reactions.

Course objectives include:

• State the medical definition of "allergy."
• Outline the immunologic basis upon which antigen-antibody reactions occur.
• Describe how antibodies are formed in the body.
• Outline the FOUR distinct types of allergic reactions.
• List the FIVE major types of immunoglobulins normally present in adults.
• Distinguish between a complement, receptor and mediator as they relate to sensitization.
• Define what makes a substance allergenic.
• List the trigger mechanisms in tissue hypersensitivity.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the diagnostic procedure necessary to confirm the presence of allergic disease.
• Identify and outline the process. of food allergy development and treatments to alleviate symptoms.
• Recognize factors to consider in prophylaxis of seasonal and perennial allergic rhinitis.
• Outline a regimen for symptomatic treatment of seasonal and perennial rhinitis.
• Differentiate between atopic dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis and name the generalized treatments.
• Define anaphylaxis and list the general signs and symptoms.
• Define the course of treatment for immunotherapy.
• Outline how complementary/ alternative therapies are effective in allergy treatment and prevention.

Osteoporosis: The Brittle Bone Disease (3006)   View online course now

Updated 2008

Author:

Peggy M. Goulding , PhD
Shelda L. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of the course is to provide a comprehensive overview of osteoporosis for nurses and other healthcare professionals. Emphasis is on an understanding of the life-long risk factors for the development of the disease, particularly those that reflect lifestyle choices. New treatment approaches are outlined based on medical research. Consideration is also given to the unique challenges presented by osteoporosis in men.

Course objectives include:

1. Identify the two types of bone tissue and their anatomical distributions.
2. Outline the physiological and emotional sequence of events resulting in osteoporosis.
3. Define the role of the “skeletal storehouse” in maintenance of the body’s calcium balance.
4. Name three health conditions that can increase risk for development of osteoporosis.
5. List five lifestyle factors contributing to the risk for osteoporosis.
6. Identify the prevalence and risk factors for development of osteoporosis in men.
7. Outline current methods and criteria for the diagnosis of osteoporosis.
8. List the primary pharmacological approaches to osteoporosis treatment.
9. Recognize recent medical research findings relevant to osteoporosis treatment and prevention.
10. Identify ways to minimize fractures in patients with osteoporosis.

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