Chapter 5 Workbook [Hartmann Nursing Assistant Care The Basics] Confusion, Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease

Dementia

the loss of mental abilities such as thinking, remembering, reasoning, and communicating.

A common cause of dementia is_______

Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's disease causes

tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits to form in the brain, eventually causing dementia.

When communicating with a resident with AD, the nursing assistant (NA) should

speak slowly, using a lower tone of voice than normal

If a resident is frightened or anxious , which of the following should the NA do?

Check the body language so he does not appear tense or hurried

If a resident perseverates, this means he is

repeating words, phrases, questions, or actions

If a resident does not remember how to perform basic tasks, the NA should

Encourage the resident to do what he can

Use nonslip mats, tub seats, and hand-holds

to ensure safety during bathing

Break tasks down into simple steps,

explaining one step at a time.

Mark the bathroom with a sign or picture

as a reminder of when to use it and where it is.

Good or Bad: Break tasks down into simple steps, explaining one step at a time

Good

Good or Bad: If the resident is incontinent, do not give him fluids because ti makes the problem worse.

Bad

Good or Bad:Choose clothes that are simple to put on.

Good

Good or Bad: Check the skin regularly for sign of irritation

Good

Follow Standard Precautions when caring for the resident

Good

Good or Bad:Do not encourage exercise, as this will make the resident more agitated

Bad

Good or Bad: Serve finger foods if the resident tends to wander during meals

Good

Good or Bad: Schedule meals at the same time every day

Good

Good or Bad: Serve new kinds of foods as often as possible to stimulate the resident

Bad

Good or Bad:Put only one kind of food on the plate at a time.

Good

Good or Bad:Use plain white dishes for serving food to residents with Alzheimer's disease

Good

Good or Bad:Do not encourage independence, as this can lead to aggressive behavior

Bad

Good or Bad: Reward behavior with smiles and warm touches.

Good

Agitation

A resident who is excited, restless, or troubled is said to be agitated.

Sundowning

when a person gets restless and agitated in the late afternoon, evening, or night

Catastrophic Reactions

when a person with AD overreacts to something

Violent Behavior

A resident who attacks, hits, or threatens someone is violent

Pacing & Wandering

a resident who walks back and forth in the same area / a resident who walks aimlessly around the facility

Hallucinations or Delusions

A resident who sees, hears, smells, tastes, or feels things that are not there/ A resident who believes things that are not true

Depression

When residents become withdrawn, lack energy, or do not eat or do things they used to enjoy, they may be depressed.

Perseveration/ Repetitive Phrasing

A resident who repeats a word, phrase, question, or activity over and over is perseverating

Disruptiveness

Anything that disturbs others, such as yelling, banging on furniture, slamming doors, etc.

Inappropriate Social Behavior

cursing, name calling, or other behavior

Inappropriate Sexual Behavior

removing clothes, touching one's own genitals, or trying to touch others can embarrass those who see it

Pillaging

taking things that belong to someone else

Hoarding

collecting and putting things away in a guarded way.

Sleep Disturbances

Residents with AD may experience a number of sleep disturbances

Reality Orientation

using calendars, clocks, signs and lists to help residents remember who and where they are

Validating

giving value to or approving

Reminiscence therapy

encouraging residents to remember and talk about the past

Activity therapy

uses activities that the resident enjoys to prevent boredom and frustration