12-18 years, part of life stages
Adolescence
a thickening and hardening of the wall of the arteries, can also decrease the blood supply to the brain and causes a decrease in mental abilities
Arteriosclerosis
The “No, not me!” stage, which usually occurs when a person is first told of a terminal illness. It occurs when the person cannot accept the reality of death or when the person feels loved ones cannot accept the truth
Denial
refers to feelings and includes dealing with love, hate, joy , fear, excitement, and other similar feelings
Emotional
Certain stages of growth and development from birth to death, called this
Life stages
Disease that can lead to irreversible loss of memory, deterioration of intellectual functions, speech and gait disturbance, and disorientation
Alzheimer’s disease
refers to intellectual development and includes learning how to solve problems, make judgements, and deal with situations
Cognitive
the changes in intellectual, mental, emotional, social, and functional skills that occur over time; more difficult to measure but usually proceeds from simple to complex tasks as maturation
Development
Includes feeling important and worthwhile. When others show respect, approval, and appreciation, an individual begins to feel this and gains self-respect. The self-concept— or beliefs, values, and feelings people have about themselves – becomes positive
Esteem
refers to intellectual development and includes learning how to solve problems, make judgements, and deal with situations
Mental
Occurs when the patient is no longer able to deny death. Statements such as “Why me?” or “It’s your fault” are common. Patients may strike out at anyone who comes in contact with them and become hostile and bitter, they may blame themselves, their loved ones, or health care personnel for their illnesses
Anger
occurs when patients accept death but want more time to live. Frequently, this is a period when patients turn to religion and spiritual beliefs. At this point, the will to live is strong, and patients fight hard to achieve goals set
Bargaining
This is a dreamlike thought process that occurs when a person is awake. It provides a means of escape when a person is not satisfied with reality. If it allows a person to establish goals for the future and leads to a course of action to accomplish those goals , it is a good defense mechanism
Daydreaming
This involves transferring feelings about one person to someone else. usually occurs because individuals cannot direct the feelings toward the person who is responsible. Many people fear directing hostile or negative feelings toward their bosses or supervisors because they fear job loss. They then direct this anger toward team members and/or family members
Displacement
This involves placing the blame for one’s own actions or inadequacies on someone else or on circumstances rather than accepting responsibility for the actions. Examples include, “The teacher failed me because she doesn’t like me,” rather than “I failed because I didn’t do the work”
Projection
Love, a warm and tender feeling for another person, occupies the third level of Maslow’s hierarchy of Needs. When an individual feels safe and secure, and after all physiological needs have been met, the individual next strives for social acceptance, friendship, and to be loved
Affection
This involves the substitution of one goal for another goal to achieve success. If a substitute goal meets needs, this can be a healthy defense mechanism. For example, Joan wanted to be a doctor, but she did not have enough money for a medical education. So she changed her educational plans and became a physician's assistant
Compensation
Occurs when patients realize that death will come soon and they will no longer be with their families or be able to complete their goals. They may express these regrets, or they may withdraw and become quiet, experiencing great sadness and, at times, overwhelming despair
Depression
the measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person’s life, including height, weight, body shape, head circumference, physical characteristics, development of sexual organs, and dentition
Growth
often called “physical,” “biological,” or “basic” needs. These needs are required by every human being to sustain life. They include food, water, oxygen, elimination of waste materials, sleep, and protection from extreme temperatures. These needs must be met for life to continue
Physiological needs
the final stage. Patients understand and accept the fact that they are going to die. Patients may complete unfinished business and try to help those around them deal with the oncoming death. Gradually, patients separate themselves from the world and other people. At the end, they are at peace and can die with dignity.
Acceptance
the use of substances such as alcohol or drugs and the development of a physical and/or mental dependence on these chemicals. This can occur in any life stage, but it frequently begins in adolescence. Reasons for using chemicals include anxiety or stress relief, peer pre sure, escape from emotional or psychological problems, experimentation with feelings the chemicals produce, desire for "instant gratification:' hereditary traits, and cultural influences
Chemical abuse
unconscious acts that help a person deal with an unpleasant situation or socially unacceptable behavior, are the main indirect methods used. Everyone uses these to some degree, providing methods for maintaining self-esteem and relieving discomfort
Defense mechanisms
Can play an important role in meeting the needs of the dying patient. This care offers palliative care, or care that provides support and comfort. It can be offered at hospitals, medical centers, and special facilities, but most frequently, in patient's homes. Usually started when patient has 6 months or less to live, but can also be started earlier
Hospice
This involves retreating to a previous developmental level that provides more security than the current level an individual is experiencing. For example, an 8-year-old child might scream at being separated from parents or start sucking his or her thumb as a result of hospitalization or serious illness
Regression