CNA Prep: Lessons 21-26 - Cognitive, Mental Health, and Body Systems

A set of flashcards covering cognitive impairment, mental health disorders, and multiple body systems (nervous, circulatory, musculoskeletal, GI, endocrine, and immune) based on CNA Prep lessons.

How is Cognitive Impairment defined?

Inability to think, concentrate, reason, or remember clearly.

What is the definition of Dementia?

Mental decline; loss of mental functioning abilities.

What is Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and what causes it?

A progressive, degenerative, irreversible disease caused by the formation of tangled nerve fibers and protein deposits in the brain.

What are some temporary causes of Cognitive Impairment or Dementia?

Stress/Depression, Medications, Thyroid disease, Vitamin deficiency, Alcohol/Drugs, Fever, and Head trauma.

List conditions that cause progressive Cognitive Impairment.

Alzheimer's (most common cause), Stroke, Brain damage/disease, serious illnesses like Cancer/AIDS/Diabetes, Alcoholism, and Kidney failure.

What are two key differences between Alzheimer's Disease and other types of dementing illnesses?

Alzheimer's has no known cause or cure and involves a gradual mental/physical decline, whereas other types may be treatable.

What is the typical timeframe for the steady decline in Alzheimer's Disease, and how many Americans are affected?

The decline can take $2-20$ years, and it affects $2-4$ million Americans.

At what age does the risk for Alzheimer's usually increase?

Risk increases after age $65$ but can occur as early as $40-50$ years.

What occurs during Stage 3 (mild decline) of Alzheimer's Disease?

The decline is noticeable to others; the individual misplaces items and has difficulty planning or organizing.

What characterizes Stage 4 (moderate decline) of Alzheimer's Disease?

Inability to remember recent events, inability to do simple arithmetic, difficulty paying bills or handling finances, and forgetting personal history.

What happens during Stage 5 (moderately severe decline) of Alzheimer's Disease?

The individual needs help with ADL (Activities of Daily Living) and experiences disorientation to time, place, and person.

What are the characteristics of Stage 7 (complete mental decline) of Alzheimer's Disease?

Requires total assistance with ADL/mobility; abnormal reflexes/rigid muscles; swallowing difficulties.

Identify at least five characteristics of dementia.

Progressive memory loss, inability to learn, poor judgment, paranoia, mood swings, personality changes, hallucinations, and sundowning.

What are five useful methods or therapies for residents with Cognitive Impairment?

Reality Orientation, Validation Therapy, Reminiscence, Activity Therapy, and Music Therapy.

List the early warning signs of physical aggression in a resident.

Hostile/threatening remarks, restlessness (pacing/rocking), intense staring, body rigidity/clenched fists, slapping/grabbing, and sexual advances/remarks.

In an aggressive situation, what actions are listed as 'NEVER's' for a caregiver?

Never grab or strike back, back yourself into a corner, approach the person alone, or turn your back to the individual.

How is Schizophrenia defined?

A complex mental disorder that interferes with a person's ability to think logically, behave normally, and differentiate between fact and fantasy.

What are the seven defense/coping mechanisms listed in the notes?

Denial, Projection, Displacement, Rationalization, Repression, Regression, and Minimization.

What are four examples of Anxiety Disorders?

Panic Disorders, OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder), PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), and Phobias.

What are the two types of Mood Disorders (Affective Disorders) mentioned?

Depression (Clinical or Major) and Bipolar Disorder (Manic-Depressive Illness).

What is the caregiver goal when working with residents who have developmental disabilities?

To assist the resident to reach their maximum level of functioning and independence.

What are four common symptoms of Parkinson's Disease?

Mask-like expression, tremors/pill-rolling, shuffling/downhill gait, and muscle rigidity/stooped posture.

What are the characteristics of Multiple Sclerosis (MS)?

A progressive neurological disease affecting more females than males; onset ages $20-40$; involves visual disturbances, gait instability, and tremors.

What is the difference between ligaments and tendons?

Ligaments connect bone to bone, and tendons connect muscle to bone.

What is the difference between Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid arthritis?

Osteoarthritis (DJD) is 'wear and tear' of the joints, while Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder involving inflammation.

What are the symptoms of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)?

Feeling of food stuck behind sternum, heartburn/burning pain, nausea/regurgitation, difficulty swallowing, and coughing/wheezing.

What are the signs of Hypoglycemia (insulin reaction/shock)?

Cold, clammy, pale skin; visual disturbances; tremors; numbness/tingling; and confusion.

What are the signs of Hyperglycemia (diabetic coma)?

Fruity breath odor, SOB (shortness of breath), N/V (nausea/vomiting), frequent urination, thirst, hot, dry, flushed skin, and confusion.

At what point should the Nursing Assistant notify the nurse regarding a diabetic resident's meal consumption?

When the resident consumes only $50x$ or less of their meal.

What is Lymphoma?

A condition where WBC's (White Blood Cells) live longer or reproduce too fast, causing tumors to form in lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and blood.

Define the three types of immunity mentioned in the notes.

Passive (Mother to Fetus), Artificial Active (Vaccination), and Active/Acquired (Chickenpox).