How active listening, empathy and providing the right environment for people with dementia can help nurses build a therapeutic relationship and improve outcomes Show
Abstract Citation: Jenkins C et al (2016) Dementia 4: The nurseâs role in caring for people with dementia. Nursing Times; 112: 27/28, 20-23. This article has been double-blind peer reviewed Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a decline in mental cognition that interferes with daily life. Patients with dementia experience a loss of memory, decision-making skills, and even personality traits. Symptoms can range from mild to severe. It is important to note that dementia is not a normal or expected part of aging. Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. There are many types of dementia, but Alzheimer’s disease is the most common one. Alzheimer’s disease is progressive beginning with a preclinical stage that usually doesn’t present with symptoms, though changes in the brain are occurring. The patient then progresses through mild, moderate, and severe stages, which may occur gradually over years. At this time, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease. The Nursing ProcessThere are many nursing diagnoses related to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. As dementia progresses it can result in self-care deficits in bathing, grooming, toileting, and feeding. Alzheimer’s disease can lead to swallowing difficulties as the patient loses their ability to swallow which can result in life-threatening aspiration pneumonia. In one study, half of the patients with dementia who were admitted to the hospital for either pneumonia or a hip fracture died within six months of discharge. That being said, safety is a huge concern when caring for dementia patients. Falls are a common occurrence due to the loss of reasoning ability and judgment recall. They may not be able to ambulate yet will attempt to get out of bed or a wheelchair unassisted. Their memory loss may lead them to believe they need to get to work or run an errand and they will attempt risky behaviors or wander. Nurses may treat patients for an array of physical conditions that are also complicated by dementia. Understanding the importance of safety but also the emotional and mental challenges these patients face will help the nurse provide the best care. Patients with dementia require patience and specific strategies to communicate effectively to meet their needs. Nursing Care Plans Related to Alzheimer’s Disease and DementiaNursing Diagnosis: Social Isolation
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
1. Assess for a support system. 2. Determine physical and mental limitations. 3. Assess for mental illness barriers. 1. Provide games and activities to their cognitive level. 2. Refer to adult daycare centers or facilities. 3. Help them remember who they are. 4. Get outside. Risk For Falls Care PlanNursing Diagnosis: Risk for Falls
Note: A risk diagnosis is not evidenced by signs and symptoms as the problem has not occurred yet and the goal of nursing interventions is aimed at prevention. Expected Outcomes:
Risk For Falls Assessment1. Perform a fall
risk assessment. 2. Assess muscle
strength and coordination. 3. Assess judgment and perception. Risk For Falls Interventions1. Keep items within reach. 2. Use fall alert
devices. 3. Unclutter the environment. 4. Consider visual acuity. Self-Care Deficit Care PlanNursing Diagnosis: Self-Care Deficit
As evidenced by:
Expected Outcomes:
Self-Care Deficit Assessment1. Assess their level of abilities. 2. Determine caregiver support. Self-Care Deficit Interventions1. Maintain a schedule and routine. 2.
Offer simple choices. 3. Consider resources to improve self-care. 4. Make dressing easier. 5. Use signage around the house. References and Sources
What are some nursing interventions for a patient with dementia?Assist the patient with toileting, eating and drinking; encourage regular movement, prompt with self-care and other activities of daily living where required. These interventions play a key role in minimising the person's risk of under-nutrition, falls, pressure injuries and delirium.
What are the 5 nursing interventions?These are assessment, diagnosis, planning, implementation, and evaluation.
What are 4 interventions that the nurse should do?Common nursing interventions include:. Bedside care and assistance.. Administration of medication.. Postpartum support.. Feeding assistance.. Monitoring of vitals and recovery progress.. |