Neurocognitive Disorders Flashcards
Exam 4 (Final)
Cognition
Brain’s ability to process, retain, use information
Cognitive Processes
Processes: reasoning, judgment, perception, attention, comprehension, memory
Neurocognitive disorders
disruption or impairment in higher level brain functions
Delirium
Syndrome involving disturbance of consciousness with change in memory, orientation and language
How long is delirium?
Short period
Etiology of Delirium
infections, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, metabolic disturbance, hypoxia (COPD, emphysema, pneumonia), medications (Table 39.2), drug intoxication or withdrawal
Treatment for Delirium
Treat cause of delirium
Assessment of Delirium: History
medical history, medications
Assessment of Delirium: General appearance and motor behavior
disturbed psychomotor behavior (hypo or hyper), possible speech problems
Assessment of Delirium: Mood and affect
unpredictable shifts (agitated to lethargic)
Assessment of Delirium: Thought process and content
thoughts may be fragmented, severely impaired memory especially most recent.
Assessment of Delirium: Sensorium and intellectual processes
decreased awareness of environment
Assessment of Delirium: Judgment and insight
impaired
Assessment of Delirium: Roles and Relationships
inability to fulfill roles
Assessment of Delirium: Self concept
fear, feel threatened
Assessment of Delirium: Physiological and self care
sleep problems, ignore or fail to perceive internal body cues
Delirium: outcome identification
Freedom from injury *
Increased orientation, reality contact
Balance of activity and rest
Adequate nutrition and fluid balance
Return to optimal level of functioning
Delirium: Intervention
Promoting client safety
Managing client’s confusion: orienting cues; speaking in low, clear voice; avoiding sensory overload
Promoting sleep, proper nutrition
Delirium: Treatment
No specific medications
Supportive measures and treatment of precipitating factors are most effective & preferred
Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Disease
Progressive cognitive impairment*; language impairment
Issues involving Dementia/ Alzheimer’s Disease
Executive function
Aphasia
Apraxia
Agnosia
Executive function
(difficulty w/ ability
to think abstract, plan, initiate, sequence
Aphasia
(difficulty with speech)
Apraxia
(difficulty with movements on command)