Cognitive Impairments and Development

These flashcards cover key concepts related to cognitive impairments, development, and care strategies, derived from the lecture notes.

Cognition

The ability to think, understand and acquire knowledge.

Cognitive development

The process of developing abilities to think and understand throughout life.

Growth

Physical changes occurring from conception onward.

Development

Biological, social, and cognitive changes that occur throughout life.

Trust vs. Mistrust

Erickson’s first psychosocial stage occurring from birth to 12 months.

Autonomy vs. Shame

Erickson’s second psychosocial stage for toddlers aged 1 to 2 years.

Initiative vs. Guilt

Erickson’s third psychosocial stage for children aged 3 to 6 years.

Industry vs. Inferiority

Erickson’s fourth psychosocial stage for children aged 7 to 11 years.

Identity vs. Identity Confusion

Erickson’s fifth psychosocial stage for adolescents aged 12 to 18 years.

Intimacy vs. Isolation

Erickson’s sixth psychosocial stage for young adults aged 20s to 40s.

Generativity vs. Stagnation

Erickson’s seventh psychosocial stage for adults aged 40s to mid-60s.

Integrity vs. Despair

Erickson’s eighth psychosocial stage for older adults aged mid-60s to end of life.

Piaget’s Theory

Cognitive development theory describing stages from birth to adulthood.

Sensorimotor Stage

Piaget's first stage of cognitive development from birth to 2 years.

Pre-operational Stage

Piaget's second stage of cognitive development from ages 2 to 7 years.

Concrete Operational Stage

Piaget's third stage of cognitive development from ages 7 to 11 years.

Formal Operational Stage

Piaget's fourth stage of cognitive development starting at age 12.

Cognitive impairment

Impairment in mental processes affecting understanding and actions.

Attention

The ability to focus on specific stimuli or tasks.

Decision-making

The cognitive process of selecting a course of action.

General knowledge

Information and facts accumulated through experience.

Judgment

The ability to form considered opinions or decisions.

Language

The system of communication used by a particular community.

Memory

The faculty of the mind by which information is encoded and retrieved.

Perception

The process of organizing and interpreting sensory information.

Planning

The cognitive process of thinking about the activities required to achieve a desired goal.

Reasoning

The action of thinking about something in a logical way.

Visuospatial skills

The ability to visualize and manipulate objects in space.

Neuron structure changes

Alterations in neurons that can impact cognitive function.

Dendrites

Extensions of a neuron that transmit electrical impulses.

Axons

Long fibers that conduct signals away from the neuron's cell body.

Synapses

The junction between neurons where communication occurs.

Dementia

A chronic condition of cognitive decline due to brain disease.

Alzheimer's disease

Most common cause of dementia characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline.

Vascular dementia

Dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

Frontal-temporal dementia

A type of dementia affecting the frontal and temporal lobes.

Delirium

An acute state of confusion often triggered by physiological factors.

Acute vs Chronic

Acute refers to sudden onset while chronic refers to long-term conditions.

Clinical manifestations

Observable signs and symptoms of a condition.

Sundowning

Behavioral changes occurring in the late afternoon or evening.

Hallucinations

Sensory experiences without a source in reality.

Delusions

Firmly held beliefs contrary to evidence.

Psychomotor disturbance

Impairment in physical movement and coordination.

Aggression in dementia

Verbal or physical behaviors that may arise in individuals with dementia.

Caregiver strain

The physical and emotional stress experienced by caregivers.

Memory Care Facility

Specialized living space for individuals with memory impairment.

Therapeutic Communication

An interactive process to promote understanding and patient care.

Reminiscence Therapy

A therapeutic technique involving the sharing of past experiences.

Validation Therapy

A technique focusing on the emotional aspect of communication with confused individuals.

Reality Orientation

Techniques used to promote awareness of person, place, and time.

Self-care deficit

A condition where a person is unable to perform daily self-care activities.

Outcome Identification

Setting goals for patient care and anticipated outcomes.

SMART outcomes

Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound goals.

Assessment in cognitive impairment

Evaluation of mental status and cognitive abilities.

Neuro exams

Examinations assessing nervous system function.

Cultural considerations

Factors influencing care based on cultural backgrounds.

NANDA-I diagnosis

Standardized nursing diagnosis classifications.

Mood disorders

Conditions that affect emotional stability.

Aging brain changes

Physical and cognitive changes as one ages.

Acute brain injury

Sudden damage to the brain impacting cognitive function.

Sensory overload

A condition where too much sensory information overwhelms the individual.

Sensory deprivation

Lack of sensory stimuli that deprives a person of sensory input.

Medication side effects

Adverse effects resulting from drug treatments.

Environmental safety precautions

Measures taken to ensure a safe living environment.

Neurotransmitters

Chemicals in the brain that transmit signals between neurons.

Physical exam

A systematic examination of the body.

Health complications

Secondary health issues arising from a primary condition.

Emotional distress

Psychological discomfort or suffering due to stressors.

Caregiver resources

Support systems available to assist caregivers.

Respite care

Temporary relief for caregivers by providing substitute care.

Community support groups

Local organizations offering help and resources to individuals.

Aggressive behaviors in dementia

Actions reflecting frustration or discomfort in individuals with dementia.

Anxiety interventions

Methods to alleviate anxiety symptoms in patients.

Diagnosis process

Series of assessments leading to the identification of conditions.

Dementia assessment tools

Instruments used to evaluate cognitive function.

Therapeutic relationship

A trusting and empathetic bond between caregiver and patient.

Elderly rights

Legal and ethical standards protecting older adult individuals.

Support for caregivers

Programs and services aimed at assisting individuals caring for loved ones.

Personalized care

Tailored healthcare that considers individual needs and conditions.

Evidence-based practice

Healthcare practices backed by scientific evidence.

Cognitive rehabilitation

Therapeutic interventions aimed at improving cognitive function.

Quality of life

Overall well-being and satisfaction in life.

Nursing evaluation

Ongoing assessment of patient care effectiveness.

Patient safety measures

Protocols ensuring the safety of individuals in care.

Behavioral symptoms

Observable traits that reflect a person's mental state.

Addiction influence

The impact of substance abuse on cognitive function.

Chronic health conditions

Long-term health issues affecting overall well-being.

Support for dementia patients

Strategies and services to assist individuals with dementia.

Psychosocial support

Emotional support aimed at enhancing psychological well-being.

Cognitive decline

Deterioration of cognitive function over time.

Family caregiver dynamics

Family roles and stresses associated with caregiving.

Long-term memory care

Ongoing assistance provided to individuals with chronic memory issues.

BPSD

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia.

Dementia-related conversations

Dialogue fostering understanding of cognitive decline.

Client-centered approach

Patient care focused on individual needs and preferences.