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

New 2009 - Expires: 12/2011

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

Updated 2009 - Expires: 8/2012

Author:
Author: Shelda L. K. 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.

Pain Management (3004)    View online course now

Updated 2009 - Expires: 9/2011

Author:

Kim Marie Falk
Peggy M. Goulding , PhD
Shelda L. K. Shank, RN, BSN, PHN

Pain is one of the most common reasons people enter the healthcare system; yet it is also one of the most widely under-treated health problems, causing suffering and financial burden to both patients and society. Learn the latest in pain management principles and strategies, so you can help your patients achieve optimal pain control.

Course objectives include:

• Define pain.
• Name the three nociceptors involved in pain sensation.
• Define pain threshold and pain tolerance.
• List five factors that influence pain perception.
• List four misconceptions that are barriers to pain management.
• Name the parts of the assessment mnemonic PQRST.
• List several physical and behavioral signs and symptoms of pain.
• List the non-opioids, opioids, and adjuvant medications used to treat pain.
• List six non-pharmacologic options for pain management.
• Name three principles of pain treatment.
• Outline current nursing standards for pain management.

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