Week 6 Practicum Journal
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Week 6 Practicum Journal
Dementia, delirium and depression are some of the mental illnesses associated with frail elders. Dementia is a disorder of the mental process that results from brain condition or an injury. The significant sign and symptom of dementia is the loss of memory. On the other hand, delirium is a mental health condition that is associated with a change in brain functionality. Delirium often results in emotional disruption and mental confusion (Dentino, Fenstemacher & Harrington, 2016). Depression refers to a cluster of various conditions that are associated with the elevation or lowering of an individual’s mood.
Impact of Dementia, Delirium, and Depression on Frail elders
Working in geriatric care, I understand how the three mental conditions affect individuals. One of the similarities in the effects of the three conditions on frail elders is that they lead to memory losses. The frail elders suffering from any of the three conditions have a problem remembering things and people (depends on the severity of the illness) (Dentino, Fenstemacher & Harrington, 2016). Apart from the memory problems, the three conditions may alter the mood of elderly individuals. An alteration of the mood has a significant effect on the performance of daily activities.
Patient Case Scenario
During my clinical experience as a geriatric nurse, I have interacted with an older adult suffering from dementia. The 81-year-old patient Y presented in the healthcare facility with signs memory problems especially those that are related to events. The grandson who brought him to the facility stated that he was often confused and had a reduction in concentration. Besides, the grandson said that patient Y was no longer able to do everyday tasks.
Assessment and Diagnosis
One of the assessment techniques that was used in determining the signs of the patient’s condition and coming up with a relevant diagnosis is cognitive and neuropsychological tests. The technique was used to assess the patient’s memory, his ability to solve problems and language skills (Dentino, Fenstemacher & Harrington, 2016). Besides, laboratory tests were conducted on the patient’s blood sample to check for the levels of chemicals and hormones in the blood. A genetic test was equally essential in the assessment of the patient.
Treatment and Management
As part of the treatment plan, Donepezil was prescribed to the patient to help in improving the signs and symptoms of the condition (Dening, 2019). It is important to understand that the condition does not have a specific cure; the best that can be done is to improve the signs and symptoms of the condition. As part of the management, it was essential to come up with interventions related to the management of the patient’s self-care deficit, disturbed sleep patterns, disturbed memory perception as well as the risk of injury (Dening, 2019). The interventions were essential because the patient was in the moderate stage dementia.
Patient Education on Dementia
The patient’s grandson who provided him with the needed care at home was educated on the need for understanding dementia soothing techniques. Although the patient had limited interest in performing activities of daily living, it was essential for the grandson to help with some of the activities to ensure that the 81-year-old patient maintained a healthy body as well as reducing pains and aches by doing light daily exercises such a moving around (Nelson et al., 2016). The engagement in the daily activities is important in keeping the patient’s mood on check.
The presented patient care plan was effective in the management of dementia. I feel that it was effective in the management of the patient’s dementia condition because it took care of the self-care deficit that the patient had. The medical prescription was equally ideal in improving the signs of the condition. In future, I look forward to maintaining more elaborate follow-ups to check on the progress of the patient’s sign and symptoms.
References
Dentino, A. N., Fenstemacher, P. A., & Harrington, K. (2016). Dementia, Delirium, and Depression. In Post-Acute and Long-Term Medicine (pp. 235-259). Humana Press, Cham.
Dening, K. H. (2019). Differentiating between dementia, delirium and depression in older people. Nursing Standard (Royal College of Nursing (Great Britain): 1987), 35(1), 43-50.
Nelson, S., Rustad, J. K., Catalano, G., Stern, T. A., & Kozel, F. A. (2016). Depressive symptoms before, during, and after delirium: a literature review. Psychosomatics, 57(2), 131-141.