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.

Fibromyalgia: A Truly Mysterious Disease (3223))  View online course now

Expires: 2011

Authors:
Maryann Leslie, PhD, RN, CNP, CHES
Shelda L.K. Hudson, 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:

1. Identify the prevalence, gender, and age demographics of fibromyalgia in the general population.
2. Outline the American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification and diagnosis of the patient with fibromyalgia.
3. List clinical features of fibromyalgia.
4. Define widespread pain as it occurs in the patient with fibromyalgia.
5. More ...

 

An Integrative Approach: Coping With COPD (3016)   View online course now

Updated - Expires: 05/2011

Author:
Kim Cathcart, MS, RN, RRT

The goal of the enclosed course is to familiarize you with a variety of aspects of COPD, using an integrative approach. Nurses are important facilitators in coordinating treatments and teaching the patient in areas that range from nutrition, breathing exercises, medication usage/ adherence, pathophysiology of the disease process, and alternative therapy modalities. You will also briefly learn about the four major diseases involved, including A/P, etiology, and pathogenesis. A review of ABGs, V/Q ratio, clinical features and treatments of COPD will be discussed. The goal is to provide you with optimum, accurate information including a lengthy section of Bonus Information that introduces you to natural methods, home remedies, and nutrient plans to give your patient the opportunity to incorporate complementary therapies along with their medical protocol.

Course objectives include:

1. Summarize chronic bronchitis, emphysema, asthma and bronchiectasis.
2. Define the normal control of ventilation in order to identify abnormal pathologies like hypoxic drive and CO2 narcosis.
3. Differentiate auscultation of adventitious and vesicular breath sounds.
4. Define normal ventilation / perfusion ratios and relate abnormalities in disease states.
5. Outline normal blood gas values as a review of what disease states change these normalities.
6. Distinguish COPD abnormalities in roentgenograms and EKG’s and incorporate them with disease states.
7. Outline treatment options for COPD clients, by identifying areas researchers are working on to improve COPD’s effects.
8. Outline integrated material and synthesize to complete critical thinking segment.

The Power of Words: Steps to Positive Criticism (3022)   View online course now

Updated - Expires: 10/2011

Authors:
Mary Ann Evans
Shelda L.K. Hudson, RN, BSN, PHN

The goal of this course is to discuss criticism in its many different forms. The aim is to shape your attitudes about criticism, to help you understand the basis for many criticisms, and to help you understand your reaction to criticism. It will focus on various types of criticism and techniques used for coping. The information will be applicable to any health professional or supervisor who feels susceptible when criticized. It applies to all areas of practice because criticism is experienced in all levels of the healthcare industry.

Course objectives include:

1. Enumerate some of the myths associated with the realities of criticism.
2. Select some of the factors directly related to the caregiver’s self-esteem, self-worth and self-confidence.
3. List some of the requirements necessary to demonstrate assertive behavior.
4. State three actions demonstrated with passive behavior.
5. Describe ways to identify anxiety in a client.
6. Identify techniques to reduce critical behavior in clients.
7. List three methods to cope positively with criticism.
8. Enumerate some of the individual rights that must not be given up or abridged in the workplace.
9. Relate a person’s life positions and how they influence a view of self-worth.
10. Tell how an individual’s gender is thought to correlate directly with self- criticism.

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