163 exam review

Health Promotion

• Levels of Health Promotion

  • Primary Prevention

    • Involves proactive measures to prevent disease before it occurs.

    • Examples: Regular doctor's appointments, taking medications, vaccinations.

  • Secondary Prevention

    • Involves early detection and intervention to prevent progression of disease.

    • Examples: Mammograms, colonoscopies, Pap smears, routine screenings for diabetes and hypertension.

  • Tertiary Prevention

    • Focuses on managing and treating existing conditions to improve quality of life.

    • Involves rehabilitation and supportive services.

Adherence to Plan of Care

• Definition

  • Adherence refers to following the care plan set by the healthcare team intended to maintain or improve health.

• Components of the Care Plan

  • Medications, diet instructions, exercise regimens, and treatments.

• Barriers to Adherence

  • Communication issues: Cognitive decline, hearing/vision impairments.

  • Financial constraints: Difficulty affording medications or treatments.

  • Lack of resources or support.

• Strategies to Improve Adherence

  • Evaluation: Determine why a patient may not be adhering to the care plan.

  • Support: Provide connections to resources, education, and understanding.

Enhancing Communication

• Considerations for Effective Communication

  • Acknowledge potential sensory impairments in older adults (hearing and vision).

  • Maintain respectful language; avoid patronizing terms (e.g., "honey").

  • Ensure clear body language and get at eye level for better interaction.

• Communication Aids

  • Visual aids, signs, translation services, and licensed medical interpreters for medical information.

• Importance of Family Involvement

  • Involve family members in communication, especially when addressing medical decisions.

Health Promotion Strategies

• Dietary Considerations

  • Dietary adjustments are essential for various health issues.

    • Renal Diet: Low sodium, low potassium, and low protein.

    • Cardiac Diet: Low sodium and low cholesterol.

    • For individuals with dementia/Alzheimer’s: Offer easily accessible, familiar foods.

• Hydration

  • Older adults are at risk for dehydration which can lead to serious complications (e.g., UTIs).

  • Encourage regular fluid intake while considering any dietary restrictions.

• Exercise Recommendations

  • Suggest at least 30 minutes of low-impact exercise like walking or swimming.

Safety Considerations

• Core Safety Priorities

  • Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Safety, Infection Prevention (ABC-SF).

• Risk Assessment

  • Assess home safety: fall risks, access to medications, and overall living conditions.

• Thermoregulation

  • Be aware of hypothermia and hyperthermia risks, particularly in older adults.

  • Suggest behaviors to avoid extreme temperatures:

    • For Hypothermia: Avoid prolonged exposure to cold.

    • For Hyperthermia: Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities in heat.

Cognition and Mental Well-Being

• Common Cognitive Disorders

  • Alzheimer’s disease: Progressive memory loss and cognitive decline.

  • Dementia: More general decline in cognitive ability.

  • Parkinson’s disease: Characterized by tremors and mobility issues.

• Management Approaches

  • Use redirection and distraction rather than confrontation with patients experiencing cognitive issues.

Fluid and Electrolyte Management

• Fluid Volume Issues

  • Deficit: Symptoms include high heart rate, low blood pressure, dry skin, and decreased urine output.

  • Overload: Symptoms include elevated blood pressure, edema, and difficulty breathing due to fluid in lungs.

• Electrolyte Considerations

  • Importance of potassium, sodium, and magnesium in bodily functions.

  • Monitoring is crucial for older patients, particularly those with kidney issues.

Stress and Coping Mechanisms for Older Adults

• Impact of Stress

  • Identify and address sources of stress, such as health decline or loss of loved ones.

  • Encourage communication about feelings and seek professional support if needed.

• Promote Activities of Daily Living

  • Encouraging basic self-care can aid in coping and maintaining dignity.

Cultural Competence in Care

• Understanding Cultural Differences

  • Acknowledge and respect the cultural backgrounds of patients.

  • Adapt care and communication strategies to align with cultural beliefs and practices.