Terminology
The inability to perform previously learned purposeful motor acts on a voluntary basis
Apraxia
a broad term for a syndrome characterized by a general decline in higher brain functioning, such as reasoning, with a pattern of eventual decline in the ability to perform even basic activities of daily living, such as toileting and eating
Dementia
Genetic disability that affects both cognitive and physical development.
Down syndrome
Use simple, direct questions
Assess ability to follow commands
Evaluate word-finding difficulty and comprehension
Assessing language ability for someone diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Test sense of smell with familiar scents.
Cranial Nerve I (Olfactory)
Encourage regular movement and exercises
Implement physical therapy
Assist with range-of-motion (ROM) exercises
Prevent muscle atrophy with repositioning and mobility aid
Interventions for a patient at risk for functional ability decline due to limited mobility
Loss of ability to understand or express speech caused by brain damage
aphasia
paralysis of one side of the body, or part of it, due to an injury in the motor area of the brain
Hemiplegia
Increased life expectancy
Advances in medical care
Higher survival rates of premature infants and individuals with chronic illnesses
Increased recognition and diagnosis of disabilities
Factors contributing to the increase in people in the U.S. living with disability
Provide clear, simple instructions
Use visual aids
Encourage family and caregiver involvement
Monitor for compliance with medications and dietary restriction
Considerations for a patient with Down’s syndrome newly diagnosed with a long-term condition (like diabetes)
Assess visual acuity using a Snellen chart.
Cranial Nerve II (Optic)
Remove clutter and hazards from the environment
Encourage use of assistive devices
Ensure adequate lighting
Monitor medications that cause dizziness or drowsiness
Interventions for a patient at risk for falls
slow movements
Bradykinesia
Weakness of one side of the body, or part of it, due to an injury in the motor area of the brain
Hemiparesis
Levodopa-Carbidopa (Sinemet)
Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
These two medications are used for what disease?
Parkinsons
Communication techniques for speaking with patients with Alzheimer’s
Speak slowly and clearly
Use simple words and short sentences
Maintain eye contact
Provide visual cues and gestures
Never argue, remain calm, unhurried, never force activity, familiar environment, listening to music, stroking, rocking, distraction, quiet time., gentle persuasion.
Interventions for agitation in Alzheimer's
inhibiting the coagulation of the blood
Anticoagulant
difficulty swallowing
Dysphagia
Common mental health condition for those with declining functional ability
Depression is common due to loss of independence and physical limitations
Common communication tools used for someone with aphasia
Picture boards
Writing tools
Speech-generating devices
Simple, yes/no questions
Check pupil reaction to light and assess eye movement.
Cranial Nerve III (Oculomotor)
Encourage daily stretching and exercise
Promote warm baths to relax muscles
Assist with ROM exercises
Provide adaptive devices for mobility
Nursing interventions for rigidity related to Parkinson’s disease
Drugs work by interfering with the process of platelets sticking together and forming a clot.
Antiplatelet drugs
impaired ability to execute voluntary movements
Dyskinesia
Medications used to help prevent stroke
Anticoagulants (warfarin)
Antiplatelet drugs (aspirin, clopidogrel)
Why it is important for patients to do as much for themselves as possible in relation to their self-care
Helps maintain independence
Reduces risk of functional decline
Improves self-esteem and mental well-being
When the nurse might expect to assess cranial nerves
During neurological assessments
After head trauma or stroke
When a patient has vision, swallowing, or motor function issues
inability to interpret sensations
and hence to recognize things typically
as a result of brain damage
Agnosia
“a progressive, irreversible, degenerative neurologic disease that begins insidiously and is characterized by gradual losses of cognitive function and disturbances in behavior and affect.”
Alzheimer's
Bradykinesia (slow movements)
Tremors (especially at rest)
Muscle rigidity
Postural instability
Are all symptoms of what disease?
Parkinson's
Interventions for a patient with Alzheimer’s who is experiencing agitation
(4)
Redirect attention to a different activity
Maintain a calm environment
Use validation therapy instead of arguing
Avoid sudden changes in routine
Having more than one illness at the same time (e.g., diabetes,
congestive heart failure)
Comorbidity
A. caused by blood clots or reduced blood flow
B. Caused by blood vessel bursting
Name that stroke!
Ischemic strokes
Hemorrhagic
Left hemisphere affects the right side, slow, cautious behavior
Right hemisphereic effects left side, impulsive behavior, poor judgment, lack of awareness
Is it referring to what?
Effects of stroke