Mental Health of the Senior Population Flashcards
Understanding the differences of Dementia, Delirium, and Depression and their complexity
What is dangerous about aphasia?
Its what usually kills the pt. d/t pneumonia or aspiration
What is apraxia?
What is aphasia?
What is Agnosia?
Pt cannot perform certain motor movements/tasks when asked
Where a person cannot speak or understand speech
Where the person cannot recognize objects; loss of senses (ex: incontinence)
What is Amnesia?
What is Anomia?
What is confabulation?
memory loss (inability to remember events for a period of time)
Where the person cannot remember the name of objects
a neuropsychiatric disorder wherein a patient generates a false memory without the intention of deceit.
When caring of patients (esp. older adults), what type of care is need? Standardized or individulized
Should the nurse make assumptions?
Individualized b/c older adults have wide range of functional ability, diverse health profiles
The nurse SHOULD NOT make assumptions
What is Dementia?
What is a common type of dementia?
What occurs with moderate dementia?
A neurological condition that’s progressive and result in decrease mental function (mood/personality, memory, thinking, language, behavior)
Alzheimer’s disease
Loss in recent memory, even long-term memory
What is Sundown syndrome?
As the sun goes down, pts. get more confused and aggitated.
What is Ambien?
What info should the nurse ask before giving this med?
A sleeping med
Ask the pt if they have taken this med before (it can cause mental dysfunction if the pt. has not taken this med before)
What are some symptoms of depression in the elderly?
Feelings of despair and sadness
Sleep problems
No desire for socialzing
Loss of interest in beloved activities
Irritability and grumpiness
Loss of appetite and weight loss
Struggling to think clearly
What is delirium?
ACUTE, quick onset
Results in forgetfulness and confusion
Can be related to infection, illness, meds, etc (want to TREAT THE UNDERLYING CAUSE)
