Assignment Connecting with an individual living with Dementia2
Assignment Connecting with an individual with Dementia
- At the beginning of the simulation game, you watched a video called Lucy’s perspective then once the game begins you as the learner observe what is really happening in the second video, what things did you notice to be different between Lucy’s perspective and what you the learner observed?
In the first video seeing Lucy’s perspective shows her concern clearly. While watching from her perspective I can determine that she wants to go home to her family and is disturbed by the fact that she doesn’t recognize the place she is in and the things around her. As an observer, it’s harder to conclude that she is worried as it looks like she is just getting ready. Another difference I noticed from both videos is that things are seen differently. For example, the bag in lucy’s perspective was a luggage while as an observer all I saw is a sac-like bag.
- Referring to the signs and symptoms of Dementia why do you think Lucy’s perspective is so different than what you observed?
I believe her perspective is different from what I observed due to all the feelings and confusion that she is experiencing in that moment that I as the observer is not. Like her frustration, desire to be home, loneliness due to the recent loss of her husband, fear, stress, and pain.
- At the end of the game the Charge Nurse asks you if you have anything to report using the SBAR format write your report. (SBAR format stands for situation, background, assessment, and recommendation). You may be asked in our virtual debriefing to present your report so please have it handy.
S – Is feeling very agitated, disoriented, and confused due to her ignorant of her present location as well as that of her family including her late husband Bob. Got stressed when spoiled food that was for Bob was thrown out but was able to calm down once her feelings were acknowledged, and a topic of interest was brought up. Experiences pain in her knee due to arthritis.
B – A 70-year-old woman born on the 27 of May who was married to her now late husband, Bob, for 38 years. She has 4 children: Ellie, Robert, Richard, and Mary. She loves when they all get together on the holidays. She enjoys cooking big meals and baking delicious desserts. Music and gardening are her passion. She lived together with Bob until the day he died. Losing Bob and the family home has
been a very hard transition for her.
A – The patient experiences dementia and pain in her knees due to arthritis
R – I believe she should never be left unattended due to her dementia. Having no staff around can increase the risk of falls as she can forget her pain and not use her walker. Having someone around at all times would also reduce her levels of stress as she would have someone that would continually help reduce it by bringing up topics of interest to her. Validating emotions, distractions using environmental cues and conversation about topic of interest
Dementia, Delirium and Depression Assignment
Complete the table below
| Delirium | Dementia | Depression | |
| Definition | a serious change in mental abilities | a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities severely enough to interfere with your daily life | mood disorder that causes a persistent feeling of sadness and loss of interest |
| Onset/Course | The onset of delirium occurs within a short time, within a day or two | begins with minor symptoms that get worse over time | may require long-term treatment |
| Affect on Thinking | results in confused thinking and a lack of awareness of someone’s surroundings | Memory loss, Difficulty communicating or finding words, difficulty reasoning or problem-solving, difficulty with planning and organizing, confusion and disorientation
|
Can include: Trouble thinking, concentrating, making decisions, and remembering things, slowed thinking, speaking or body movements, Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts
|
| Affect on Mood | Can include: a short temper, lack of interest and emotion, quick changes in mood, personality changes, being restless, anxious, or combative | Can include: personality changes, Depression, Anxiety, inappropriate behavior, Paranoia, Agitation, hallucinations
|
Can include: feelings of sadness, tearfulness, emptiness or hopelessness, angry outbursts, irritability or frustration, Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
|
| Affect on Psychomotor activities | Hypoactive delirium can cause inactiveness or reduced activity | Difficulty with visual and spatial abilities, such as getting lost while driving. Symptoms can result in loss of memory of Psychomotor activities
|
suicide attempts or suicide, unexplained physical problems, such as back pain or headaches, Physical aches or pain
|
| Screening tools used to either assist in Diagnosis or monitor the client | A health care provider can diagnose delirium based on medical history and tests of mental status | To diagnose doctor must recognize patterns of the loss of skills and function and determine what a person is still able to do.
biomarkers have become available to make a more accurate diagnosis |
Physical exams, Lab tests, Psychiatric evaluation, criteria for depression listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) |
| Management strategies | addressing any causes or triggers | Medications (e.g. Memantine) and therapies (e.g. occupational therapy) | Medications and psychotherapy are effective for most people with depression |
REFERENCES
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 12). Dementia. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dementia/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20352019
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 14). Delirium. Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/delirium/symptoms-causes/syc-20371386
Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2022, October 14). Depression (major depressive disorder). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved November 27, 2022, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013
