Study Guide (Dementia)

Question 1

Dementia usually develops-

Answer 1

Slowly

Question 2

Syndrome of persistent and progressive intellectual impairment with compromised function in multiple spheres of mental activity =

Answer 2

Dementia

Question 3

What forms of mental activity can be affected by Dementia?

Answer 3

Memory, Language, Emotion, Personality, Cognition

Question 4

What are Predisposing Factors?

Answer 4

Factors that increase your risk for developing something

Question 5

What is a Predisposing Factors for Vascular Dementia?

Answer 5

Significant Cerebrovascular Disease (Small Strokes) caused by Hypertension, Cerebral Edema, Thrombus

Question 6

How is Cerebrovascular Disease a Predisposing Factor for HIV?

Answer 6

It can lead to brain infections caused by opportunistic organisms or cause it directly

Question 7

Dementia of Alzheimer’s Type (DAT) is-

Answer 7

The most common kind of Dementia (Makes up 60-80% of all dementias)

Question 8

Huntington’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and Head Trauma can all be predisposing factors for-

Answer 8

Dementia

Question 9

How can Huntington’s Disease cause Dementia?

Answer 9

It causes damage in the areas of the Basal Ganglia and Cerebral Cortex

Question 10

Post head trauma symptoms include:

Answer 10

Headache, Irritability, Dizziness, Diminished Concentration, Hypersensitivity to certain Stimuli

Intellectual Abilities & Memory may be Impaired

Question 11

How can Parkinson’s Disease cause Dementia?

Answer 11

Caused by loss of nerve cells located in the Substantia Nigra + a Decrease in Dopamine

Question 12

How should you communicate with a Dementia/Alzheimer’s pt?

Answer 12

Identify self and call person by name at each meeting
Speak slowly
Short, simple phrases
Stay face-to-face and near client
Focus on one piece of information at a time
Talk about things familiar & meaningful to client
Encourage reminiscing about happy times
If delusional, do not argue about delusion. Reinforce reality and acknowledge client’s feelings about delusion
Keep room well-lit
Use clocks, calendars, & personal items to assist in personal identity
Use alternate forms of communication when aphasia begins
Eliminate any distracting stimuli

Question 13

What are some Nursing Interventions for a Dementia/Alzheimer’s pt?

Answer 13

Have client perform all tasks w/in their capability
Always have client wear own clothes
Use Velcro & elastic rather than buttons and zippers
Label clothing items w/ name of client and name of item
Give step-by-step instructions as necessary
Adjust temp of hot water faucet
If resists self-care, wait 10 minutes and try again. (labile moods!)
Begin bowel/bladder program.
Use disposable diapers if needed
Label bathroom door and doors to other rooms
Use finger foods and monitor intake
Weigh weekly
If hyperorality a problem, do not have items around that client can mistake for real food (plastic fruit, etc.)
Well-lit bedroom at night
Avoid restraints Always a last resort
See text for home-care guidelines and for outcome criteria
(Teach family to make decision, not rely on others.)
Remove scatter rugs
Install door locks that can’t easily be opened
Install handrails, mark step edges with colored tape
Place mattress on floor
Secure electrical cords to baseboards
Store cleaning supplies out of reached/ lock