NUR2520 FINAL EXAM STUDY GUIDE

1. Know causes of delirium ppt.18 p.5 and p.16 • Disturbance in level of awareness and a change in cognition (easily distracted). Begins abruptly. • Can be Reversible ex. Pseudodementia • * Slower onset if underlying etiology is systemic illness or metabolic imbalance ▪ Medical Condition (Illness)- high fever, febrile, infection, metabolic disorders, head trauma, seizures, migraine headaches, brain abscess, stroke, electrolyte imbalances, stroke, caused by underlying condition-- UTI, Med. toxicity ▪ CNS stimulant use ▪ CNS depressants withdraw ▪ Withdraw or intoxication (substance induced): anticholinergics, antihypertensives, corticosteroids, anticonvulsants, analgesics, alcohol, amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, hallucinogens, inhalants ▪ Toxins- solvents and fuels, lead, mercury, arsenic, carbon monoxide 2. Know Alzheimer’s Disease (AD): stage 4, stage 5, stage 6, and stage 7 Stage ppt.18 Stage 4- mild to moderate cognitive decline • May Forget major events in personal history (i.e. his/her own child’s birthday) • Label room, don’t move things around, don’t contraindicate pt→divert pt. instead • Decline in ability to perform tasks (i.e. shopping, managing finances) or trouble understanding current news, • May deny that a problem exists by covering up loss with confabulation (creating imaginary events to fill in memory gaps)→ Confabulation is the hallmark of stage 4 Alzheimer’s • Depression and social withdraw are common Stage 5- moderate cognitive decline • Individuals lose the ability to perform some activities of daily living (ADLs) independently (hygiene, dressing, and grooming), require some assistance to manage these on an ongoing basis == Let the person do the most that they can • Frustration, withdrawal, and self-absorption are common. • May forget addresses, phone numbers, and names of close relatives. • May become disoriented about place and time, but they maintain knowledge about themselves Stage 6-moderate to severe cognitive decline