Hartman's Nursing Assistant Care The Basics chapter 5

confusion

the inability to think clearly

urinary tract infection (UTI)

this infection is the number 1 cause of confusion in elderly patients

guidelines for confusion

stay calm and provide a quiet environment

cognition

the ability to think logically and clearly

cognitive impairment

loss of ability to think logically

skills a person has learned over a lifetime

usually kept longer in Alzheimers patients

strategies for communication with Alzheimers patients

repeat yourself. use the same words and phrases as often as needed

if patient is frightened or anxious

check body language; make sure you are not tense or hurried

Perseveration

repeating words, phrases, questions, or actions

use signs, pictures, gestures, or written words

if resident seems not to understand the basic instructions or questions

If a resident with Alzheimer's disease has problems with grooming or dressing, the nursing assistant should:

lay out clothes in the order in which they are to be put on

if a resident with Alzheimers disease hallucinates or is paranoid or accusing:

try not to take it personally. try to redirect behavior or ignore it.

If a resident with Alzheimers disease has lost most verbal skills:

use nonverbal skills

If a resident with Alzheimers disease has problems with bathing:

schedule bathing when the resident is least agitated

If a resident with Alzheimers disease has problems with elimination:

mark the bathroom with a sign or picture to remind of where it is and to use it.

Sundowning

becoming restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening, or night

When feeding a resident with Alzheimers disease:

use a simple place setting with a single eating utensil

how to help patient experiencing sundowning

set a bedtime routine and keep it

if a resident is violent the NA should

try to remove triggers

Hallucinations

seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, or feeling things that are not there

Delusions

false beliefs held by a person who refuses to accept evidence of their falseness

hoarding

collecting and putting things away in a guarded way

validation therapy

a type of therapy that lets people with Alzheimer's disease believe they are living in the past or in imaginary circumstances

Validating

giving value to or approving

reminiscence therapy

Discussing past activities and experiences with another individual or group

activity theory

the theory that the more active and involved older adults are, the more likely they are to be satisfied with their lives

Validation Therapy Techniques

Using music, photos, or objects to help individuals with Alzheimer's believe in their current reality

Agitation Management Strategies

Engage in calming activities like gentle music or aromatherapy to reduce restlessness in individuals with Alzheimer's

Environmental Modification for Alzheimer's Patients

Creating a familiar and safe environment by using personal items and familiar decor

Importance of Routine in Alzheimer's Care

Establishing a consistent daily schedule to provide structure and reduce confusion for individuals with Alzheimer's

Empathy in Communication

Showing understanding and compassion when interacting with individuals experiencing cognitive decline