| |
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.
|
|
|
| |
Authors:
Maryann Leslie, PhD, RN, CNP, CHES
Shelda L. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN
Fibromyalgia syndrome is a common chronic musculoskeletal pain syndrome that has been associated with characteristic symptoms such as widespread musculoskeletal pain, the presence of multiple tender points, stiffness, fatigue and sleep disturbances. The word fibromyalgia comes from the Latin term for fibrous tissue (fibro) and the Greek ones for muscle (myo) and pain (algia).
Course objectives include:
- Identify the prevalence, gender, and age demographics of fibromyalgia in the general population.
- Outline the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and diagnosis of the patient with fibromyalgia.
- List clinical features of fibromyalgia.
- Define widespread pain as it occurs in the patient with fibromyalgia.
- State the specific locations identified in the different areas of the body that are tender in the patient with fibromyalgia.
- Recall emphasis areas to be included in the health history and physical examination of the patient with fibromyalgia.
- Differentiate between the terms trigger point and tender point.
- Name other medical conditions that should be included in the differential diagnosis of the patient with fibromyalgia.
- Summarize the etiological factors proposed in an attempt to explain the clinical findings in fibromyalgia.
- Identify management strategies for the patient, family and/or significant others in fibromyalgia.
- Clarify the purposes of drug therapy in the management of the patient with fibromyalgia.
- Explain the frequency, intensity, and duration of exercise recommended for the patient with fibromyalgia.
- Describe the effects of physical therapy modalities used in the management of the patient with fibromyalgia
- Identify terms used to describe fibromyalgia.
- Name several complementary/alternative therapies that are effective in alleviating fibromyalgia symptoms.
|
|
|
