2800 Exam Four Flashcards
Total blindness
absence of all sight
legal blindness
central visual acuity of 20/200 or less in better eye with correction
OR very narrow peripheral vision field (20 degrees or less)
severe visual impairment
being unable to read newsprint even with correction
what is almost all blindness in the US caused by?
common eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or age related macular degeneration
what are nursing interventions to protect vision?
regular hand washing screening and early detection sunglasses regular eye exams for diabetics proper nutrition eye protection during hazardous activities
what is the “sighted guide technique”?
the guiding person stands to the side and slightly in front of the visually impaired person, who is holding onto the guide’s elbow
what are some ways to help clients adjust to decreased vision?
have corrective devices clean and available use large print books or magazines provide good lighting uncluttered/safe environment have things within reach introduce yourself speak before touching the client describe things and explain sounds
what can vision problems lead to in older adults?
loss of freedom, functional ability, or self esteem
disorientation
confusion
social isolation
what is conductive hearing loss?
hearing loss caused by problems in the outer or middle ear
what are some common causes of conductive hearing loss?
otitis media
earwax accumulation
foreign bodies in the ear
what is sensorineural hearing loss?
impairment of inner ear function or vestibulocochlear nerve damage
what are some common causes of sensorineural hearing loss?
noise genetics nerve damage ototoxicity tympanic membrane trauma
what are some assessment findings/manifestations for hearing loss?
not responding when spoken to answering questions inappropriately asking people to speak up/repeat things reading lips straining to hear impacted social/familial relationships
what are some nursing interventions to prevent hearing loss?
control environmental noise use ear protection MMR immunization avoidance/proper use of ototoxic medications (chemo, loop diuretics, mercury) hearing screenings
what are some good practices when communicating with a hearing impaired client?
use hand movements have face in good light speak into patient's good ear lower tone of voice minimize distractions speak normally and slowly dont over-enunciate write out hard words rephrase if necessary
how can the nurse help a client adapt to using a hearing aid?
make sure it’s properly fitted
determine the patient’s readiness to use it
educate on care and use
have them start using it in a quiet environment to get used to it
how do we care for hearing aids?
clean ear and hearing aid regularly make sure battery works protect it from heat and chemicals store in a cool dry place disconnect battery when hearing aid not in ear
what intervention will help if a whistling or ringing is coming from the hearing aid?
reposition in the patient’s ear and adjust the volume level
what is dementia?
a neurocognitive disorder characterized by dysfunction or loss of memory, orientation, language, judgment, and reasoning
what is the most common type of dementia?
alzheimers
what are general assessment findings with any type of dementia?
memory loss disorientation problems with words and numbers decreased judgment mood and behavior changes personality changes
what is alzheimers disease?
the most common form of dementia. it’s a chronic, progressive neurodegenerative brain disease
what are some early manifestations of Alzheimer’s?
getting lost in familiar areas memory loss time and place disorientation problems with calculations problems with familiar tasks language issues behavior/personality changes
How do memory issues often manifest in alzheimers?
short term memory problems first
what are some later stage manifestations/complications of Alzheimers?
incontinence delusions wandering all cognitive functions impaired immobility inability to speak or understand need for complete care (loss of functional ability)
what is apraxia?
inability to manipulate objects or perform purposeful actions
what is visual agnosia?
inability to recognize objects by sight
what is dysgraphia?
difficulty communicating by writing or recognizing written language
what is retrogenesis?
process in alzheimer’s disease where degenerative changes occur in reverse order in which they were acquired (person becomes more like an infant as disease progresses)
what is the top choice for a cognitive tool to screen for alzheimers and monitor disease progression?
Mini-mental status examination (MMSE or mini-mental)
what other diagnosis should be screened for and ruled out when alzheimer’s is suspected?
depression
why is early recognition and treatment important in Alzheimers?
in order to monitor disease progression and maximize functional ability at every stage, as well as ensure patient safety
what are some measures that may help prevent alzheimers?
regular exercise challenging your mind staying socially active avoiding harmful substances avoiding brain trauma (like repeat concussions) treat depression early sleep healthy diet diabetes and cardiovascular health management
what are some nursing interventions to prevent behavioral problems in Alzheimers?
assess physical status and for pain assess environment assess for infection frequently redirect and distract maintain familiar routines
what is sundowning?
patient getting more confused, disoriented, and combative in late afternoon and evening
what can be done to prevent sundowning?
calm environment, maximum exposure to sunlight, limit naps and caffeine, drug treatment if necessary
what are some good communication techniques for alzheimers patients?
don't rush them minimize distractions don't argue ask simple questions don't tell them no or ask why
what would some other signs of pain be in Alzheimer’s patients if they cannot say they have pain?
agitation
withdrawal
increased vocalization
what nursing interventions can help with eating and swallowing difficulties in Alzheimers?
pureed food and thickened liquids nutrition supplements finger foods moist foods bite sized pieces quiet and unhurried environment
what are oral care considerations for Alzheimers?
ensure good oral care (either by patient or by nurse)
regular mouth inspection for pocketed food
how can nurses help support caregivers of those with Alzheimers?
assess stressors and coping strategies
assess caregiver expectations
support groups
teaching based on disease stage
what are top goals for patients with Alzheimers?
maintain safety and maximize remaining social and functional ability
what are autism spectrum disorders?
group of complex neurodevelopmental disorders
what are basic clinical manifestations in autism spectrum disorders?
core deficits in social interaction, communication, and behavior
what is seen in relation to social interaction with ASD?
less interest in socializing
abnormal eye contact
decreased imitation
decreased response to their own name
what is seen in relation to communication in ASD?
absent or delayed speech
not meeting speech milestones
what does echolalia mean?
unsolicited, meaningless repetition of vocalizations made by another person (often seen in ASD)
what can improve prognosis for children with ASD?
early detection and intense early intervention
what is seen in terms of behavioral patterns with ASD?
unusual fixations, preferences, or repetitive behaviors
what are important interventions/actions when a child with ASD is hospitalized?
parent staying with child and being involved in planning
individualized assessment and treatment
decreased stimulation
presence of comfort items
as much structure and routine as possible
what should the nurse keep in mind in relation to physical contact for patients with ASD?
minimal holding and eye contact
what should the nurse keep in mind in relation to feeding and eating for patients with ASD?
may be fussy eaters
may gag or willfully starve themselves
may hoard food or swallow non-food items
may refuse food and end up with nutrient deficiencies
how should children with ASD be introduced to new things?
slowly and cautiously
what are good approaches in terms of communicating with patients with ASD?
tell them directly what to do
be brief and concrete
be appropriate to developmental level
reward desired behavior
how can the nurse support the family of a child with ASD?
educate the parent and make sure they know the autism is not their fault
direct them to expert counseling and resources
encourage care by the family as much/as long as possible
use creative approaches to managing child’s care and behavior
an undesired change or removal of a valued person, object, or situation is..
loss
how is grief defined?
the physical, psychological, and spiritual responses to a loss
actual loss
a tangible, physical loss (loved one, loss of limb, etc)
perceived loss
a loss felt only by the person, such as loss of freedom, future, relationship, etc
what are some things that impact coping?
family and support system
spirituality
developmental stage
what is bereavement?
the process of mourning and the period of adjustment after a loss
what are some major factors that affect grief?
significance of the loss support systems available unresolved conflict circumstances of the loss other recent losses spiritual beliefs and practices time circumstances of the loss
how do infants and toddlers view death?
they cannot comprehend the absence of life and dont know how to accept permanence of death
how will infants and toddlers react to death of a loved one?
changes in eating and sleeping
anxiety and sadness often caused by changes in routines and sadness of those around them
how do preschoolers understand death?
they struggle with the permanence of death
believe their thoughts can cause death (may struggle with guilt and shame)
may distance themselves from loss and grief
how do school aged children understand death?
guilt is an issue, but have a more concrete understanding of death
may be fascinated by death
fear unknown quality of death
how do adolescents understand and cope with death?
they understand it but struggle with guilt and shame
have the most difficulty coping with death and may feel very alone in their grief
when do adults start to accept their own mortality?
usually between the ages of 45 and 65
why might coping with death be challenging for older adults?
because they are preparing for/thinking of their own deaths, and often have experienced lots of cumulative losses
uncomplicated/normal grief
natural response to a loss, with intense emotions that gradually diminish. person can still take care of themselves during grief process
complicated grief
prolonged acute grief that lasts for longer than 6 months with maladaptive and overwhelming grief responses
how do we distinguish whether a person’s grief is complicated or normal?
by evaluating their functional/self-care abilities
definition of death
irreversible cessation of all functions of the brain and brainstem
higher brain death
irreversible cessation of higher brain function even if the brainstem still works (respiration and cardiac activity might continue)
what are the stages of grief?
denial anger bargaining depression acceptance
what are some goals of palliative care?
regard dying as a normal process provide pain relief not hastening death or postponing it enhance quality of life support patient to live as actively as possibly until death support patient's family
what is the difference between palliative care and hospice?
palliative care allows for both curative and comfort cares, while hospice is only comfort cares
what are the two criteria for admission to a hospice program?
patient must desire the service and agree to only hospice care (not curative care)
patient must be considered eligible with 2 physicians saying they probably only have 6 months or less to live
why is spiritual assessment important in the dying and grieving process?
Because spirituality shapes how people view death and cope with it, as well as the rituals people have surrounding death
what are some characteristics of spiritual distress?
anger towards God
changes in mood or behavior
desire for spiritual assistance
displaced anger towards clergy
what are some ways that culture affects reactions to death?
culture impacts rituals around death, how grief is expressed, and how families find comfort
what is the nurses role in regards to spiritual and cultural practices surrounding death?
facilitate and support these practices
who makes the decision to donate organs?
the patient before death or the family after death
who on the healthcare team makes organ donation requests?
specially trained professional for that specific role
what are advanced directives?
document signed by a competent individual regarding the patient’s wishes about care and their designated medical spokesperson
what is a living will?
document in lay terms giving specific directions about future care and life sustaining measures
what is a durable power of attorney for healthcare?
a document stating who makes your healthcare decisions if you cannot (and if the living will is not clear on an issue)
what does DNR mean?
do not resuscitate (take comfort measures only, but no CPR or intubation)
describe AND (allow natural death)
pain control and symptom management are allowed and done, but natural progression to death is not hindered
why do opioids not hasten death at the end of life?
because pain is the counteracting agent to opioid-induced respiratory depression, so the opioids given for comfort will not depress respirations fatally
what happens to our senses at the end of life?
hearing is the last to go decreased sensation and pain perception blurred vision glazed eyes absent blink reflexes eyes half open
what are cardiovascular manifestations at the end of life?
increased HR, then decreased
irregular heart rhythm
decreased BP
delayed drug absorption
respiratory manifestations at end of life
increased respirations
inability to clear secretions
death rattle
noisy, congested breathing due to not being able to clear secretions
cheyne stokes respirations
alternating periods of apnea and deep, rapid breathing
urinary manifestations at the end of life
decreased urinary output or anuria
incontinence
GI manifestations at the end of life
slowed/stopped GI processes gas accumulation nausea incontinence bowel movement right before or at time of death
musculoskeletal manifestations at the end of life
loss of ability to move
loss of muscle tone and gag reflex
difficulty speaking and swallowing
jaw sagging
integumentary manifestations at the end of life
mottling
cold/clammy skin
cyanosis
wax-like appearance
psychosocial manifestations at the end of life
altered decision making anxiety/restlessness fear decreased socialization life review peacefulness saying goodbye unusual communication or vision-like experiences
what are some psychosocial nursing interventions for end of life care?
converse with the patient encourage family to talk to them whether conscious or not affirm dying person's experience allow privacy assess spiritual needs
what are four specific fears associated with death?
pain
shortness of breath
loneliness/abandonment
meaninglessness
how can nurses help alleviate the fear of pain?
prompt pain assessment and management
management of drug side effects
how can nurses alleviate fear of shortness of breath for the dying patient?
use of opioids, bronchodilators, oxygen, and anti-anxiety meds
how can nurses alleviate the fear of loneliness in dying patients?
hold their hands and use touch
listen
be present and have loved ones present too
how can nurses help alleviate the fear of meaninglessness for the dying patient?
facilitate life review process and listen
how can nurses help children deal with loss?
dont force them to go to the funeral spend as much time with them as possible use play therapy care for the whole family reassure child that it's not their fault
how can nurses manage end of life dehydration?
assess mucous membranes often
know that dying patient might be comfortable being dehydrated
moist swabs in mouth
don’t force them to eat or drink
how can nurses manage end of life dyspnea?
elevate head fan or air conditioning pursed lip breathing expectorants opioids suction oxygen
how can nurses manage end of life skin breakdown?
control drainage
dress wounds properly
manage incontinence
use blankets (not heat) for warmth
how can nurses manage end of life bowel patterns?
assess function assess for impaction use laxatives as needed for comfort watch for constipation fiber/fluids/movement as wanted and tolerated
what is involved in post-mortem care?
close eyes replace dentures wash the body remove tubes and dressings straighten body and prop up head allow family time and privacy with the body
how do we support families and caregivers after a death?
recognize their stress and grief watch for abnormal grieving and those dealing with concurrent crises keep them informed refer to counseling encourage use of support systems
what is included in an assessment of mental health?
physical assessment psychosocial history stress level coping ability spiritual/religious/cultural beliefs mental status