bedbound-patient
Alzheimer's disease
SN instructed on Alzheimer's. Patient shouts at moments; Assessed patient’s ability for thought processing. Observed patient for cognitive functioning, memory changes, disorientation, difficulty with communication, or changes in thinking patterns. Assessed patient’s ability to cope with events, interests in surroundings and activity, motivation, and changes in memory pattern. Instructed caregiver to orient patient to environment as needed, if patient’s short term memory is intact. Using of calendars, radio, newspapers, television and so forth, are also appropriate. Assessed patient for sensory deprivation, concurrent use of CNS drugs, poor nutrition, dehydration, infection, or other concomitant disease processes. Maintain a regular daily schedule routine to prevent problems that may result from thirst, hunger, lack of sleep, or inadequate exercise. Provide positive reinforcement and feedback for positive behaviors. SN instructed family in methods to use with communication with patient: listen carefully, listen to stories even if they’ve heard them many times previously, and to avoid asking questions that the patient may not be able to answer. Divert attention to a client when agitated or dangerous behaviors like getting out of bed by climbing the fence bed. Eliminate or minimize sources of hazards in the environment. Caregiver verbalized fair understanding.
Encouraged patient verbalization regarding fears and concerns about disease and prognosis. Taught patient how to help with reality orientation and stimulation.
SN instructed caregiver that Alzheimer’s disease progresses and a loss of appetite often becomes apparent. Primary caregiver may notice that the patient does not eat as much or refuses to eat at all. Possible causes of a poor appetite include: inability to recognize food, poorly fitting dentures, certain medications, lack of physical activity, diminished sense of smell and taste.
Instructed caregiver about complications in patient with Alzheimer are memory and language loss, impaired judgment, and other cognitive changes caused by Alzheimer's can complicate treatment for other health conditions. A person with Alzheimer's disease may not be able to communicate that he or she is experiencing pain for example, from a dental problem, report symptoms of another illness, follow a prescribed treatment plan, notice or describe medication side effects.
Alzheimer's Instructed caregiver managing behavioral symptoms Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), especially agitation, aggression, depression and psychosis, are the leading causes for assisted living or nursing facility placement. Early recognition and treatment can reduce the costs of caring for these patients and improve the quality of life of the patient and caregiver. Caregiver verbalized.
SN to assess patient with Alzheimer disease, identify any signs and symptoms requiring intervention; report significant changes to physician.