Chamberlain_University_College_of_NursingNR_304_Fundamental

Chamberlain University College of Nursing

NR 304 Fundamental Skill

Prof. Christina Johnson

Memory Problem and Dementia

Introduction

Growing up as a kid at about 6years of age, I looked at people with memory issues and dementia as a problem which is diabolical or may be caused by a person’s wicked act or was inflected on a person due to envy. I started having different ideas about memory problems and dementia in my adolescent age, to me, it was a degeneration in the brain. So, what is dementia? “It is a progressive chronic disorder of mental processes caused by damage to the brain, change in personality, brain disease, and memory disorders” (Hubert, & VanMeter, 2018). An article on the American Academy of Neurology stated the brochure about memory problems and dementia was published November 13, 2013. The brochure provided other organizations where people could get more information about this disease and how well to screen and manage people with memory loss and dementia, some of these organization are NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral Center, Eldercare locator, and National Memory screening.

Summary of the article on Memory Problem and Dementia

The main topics discussed in this brochure, which we will be discussing starting with, what are the causes of memory problems? Some of the cause of memory loss has been linked to stress, and anxiety or depression, head injury, stroke, to mention a few. If a person makes visiting the doctor for regular health checkups important, most of these issues mentioned could be avoided.

Another topic discussed was, should a family member or friend go with you to the doctor? From my point of view, I would say yes because a close family or friend can explain better what they have noticed and the changes the person with this problem exhibits.

Another main topic discussed was, when should you be concerned about memory problems? When love ones start forgetting the names of people close to them, which is disheartening or forgetting if they have eaten, forget familiar locations, then that should be the best time to seek help from a specialist.

Another main topic discussed was, how can your family or friends help? Some of the ways family and friends can help is to continuously show love and have as much patience in redirecting the patient without hurting their feelings. Also, learn about helpful ways to manage dementia and join support groups.

Some of the information could promote communication between patients and healthcare providers. The patient should make a list of what worries them about the disease and try to be as honest as possible and not assuming the healthcare provider should know everything just by looking at the patient, that would promote communication between patient and healthcare provider. Also, write or bring all medication-taking even, herbals or vitamins (Coleman, 2015).

Evaluation of the Brochure

When I took a good look at this brochure, the step-by-step breakdown explaining what leads to memory loss and dementia was well done. Those are ways one could avoid or live with it without it causing a strain in the family. The thing which could have been done to improve on in this brochure was the picture which was used showing the elder people. From my point of view, memory problems or dementia still affect other ages of life who have been involved in a brain injury, facing stress or depression from a sudden breakup or loss of a job.

This topic got my interest because, when I think of memory problems and dementia, I cannot help but think of my grandparent then, and my parents and what will happen to my generation, if proper research to stop the high rate of memory problems and dementia is not available. Presently, I have a family member who is facing a memory loss problem, and how disheartening to see one’s love one forgets virtually almost everything and everyone. The only thing we can do is assist them with prescribed medication and show as much love as possible.

Going through the information from this brochure, I found it beneficial not only for incorporating it in patient education also helps families who are facing this kind of issue and for more knowledge on how to go through the day with ease when caring for a loved one. It also provided other support organizations where one can learn more to handle memory problems and dementia.

This brochure was presented clearly from my point of view, it explained the meaning of memory problems and dementia. It broke down step by step what to do, how well to handle when told a person has dementia, and how to get the best from healthcare providers. It also provided more informational websites and organizations.

The research made regarding this brochure made me understand, healthcare-related research supports the information presented in this brochure. For instance, “we are pleased to support the efforts of The Joint Commission to help inform patients and families experiencing the significant challenges of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias” ("The Joint Commission’s New Speak Up™ Brochure Offers Advice about Memory Problems and Dementia", 2020).

From my point of view, the population of individuals who would benefit from this brochure is everyone, whether you know or don’t know anyone with memory problem or dementia, to be knowledgeable about this disease is the first way to prevent and handle it.

This information would increase patient safety, and why I think so is because, if a visits his or her doctor for a physical exam, after testing or referred to a specialist, they will be able to determine the type of memory problem and what triggers it. Early detection can keep patients from harm to themselves or others.

Conclusion

Memory problems and dementia should not rub us of the joy of spending time remembering our love once or who we are, watching families, friends, neighbors care for loved ones going through the pains of memory problems and dementia is heartbreaking. Seeking medical care early and making sure we provide our healthcare provider with as much information as possible about one’s health would help. Taking time to go through the information on the brochure can go a long way in preventing or managing the problems associated with memory problems or dementia.

References

Coleman, J. (2015). Pathways to Effective Communication for Healthcare Providers and

Caregivers | Family Caregiver Alliance. Caregiver.org. Retrieved 20 November

2020, from https://www.caregiver.org/pathways-effective-communication-healthcare-providers-and-caregivers.

VanMeter, K., & Hubert, R. (2018). Gould's Pathophysiology for the Health Professions

(6th ed.). St. Louis, MO: Elsevier.

The Joint Commission’s New Speak Up™ Brochure Offers Advice about Memory

Problems and Dementia. Aan.com. (2020). Retrieved 20 November 2020, from

https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/1221.

What you should know about adult depression

The Joint Commission is the largest health care accrediting body in the United States that promotes quality and safety.

Helping health care organizations help patients

What you should know about adult depression was developed in collaboration with

SpeakUP TM

Everybody feels blue or sad sometimes. Depression is more than just feeling sad. When you are depressed you lose interest in activities, and you may feel overwhelmed, agitated or isolated. You may feel like things will never get better. If you have these feelings for two weeks or longer, you may be depressed.

Depression is a common, but serious condition. The good news is that you are not alone and you can get better and feel like yourself again. This brochure gives you information about depression, questions to ask a doctor or therapist, and advice on how to speak up if you or a loved one needs help.

What are the warning signs of depression? q Feeling sad, down, irritable, nervous, or out of sorts q Loss of interest or pleasure in almost all activities q Feeling worthless, guilty, hopeless, or helpless q Eating more or less than usual q Difficulty thinking or making decisions q Little or no interest in sex q Low energy, tiredness q Feeling restless or agitated q Sleeping more or less than usual q Withdrawal from others q Talking about or having thoughts of death or suicide

American Psychiatric Association www.psychiatry.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance www.dbsalliance.org

Mental Health America www.mentalhealthamerica.net

NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org

National Association of Psychiatric Health Systems www.naphs.org

National Association of Social Workers www.socialworkers.org

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors www.nasmhpd.org

National Institute of Mental Health www.nimh.nih.gov

Get help now if you are thinking about suicide! Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

at 800-273-TALK (8255) or go to www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

You can also call 911 or go to an emergency room.8/13

The goal of the Speak Up™ program is to help patients become more informed and involved in their health care.

Who can be affected by depression? Depression can affect anyone at any age. The following may put you at risk: q Family history of depression, bipolar disorder, or

substance abuse q Having another mental health condition, such as:

• Previous episode of depression • Post traumatic stress disorder • Anxiety disorder • Alcohol and other substance abuse

q Stressful life events, such as divorce, job loss or the death or illness of someone close to you; even positive events such as a baby, marriage, graduation, or new job

q Trauma, such as childhood neglect or abuse, experiencing or witnessing violence, or surviving disasters

q Some prescription medicines q Health issues, such as:

• Thyroid disease and other hormone disorders • Cancer • Diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, multiple

sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, stroke • Serious injury needing extensive rehabilitation

How can you get help? Where do you start? The important thing is to speak up and ask for help. Talk to a friend, family member, doctor, or reach out to someone in your faith community. A doctor can help determine what is going on, why it is happening, and how to help. See if there is an employee assistance program, known as an EAP, at your job. You can also call the local community mental health center, a therapist, or a help line.

What are your treatment options? Your options may include talk therapy or counseling, medicines, support groups, and other help. The treatments often work better when they are used together.

Can you get better without treatment? Depression can be damaging when left untreated. It can lead to relationship problems, unemployment, and even suicide. Do not wait and hope that the symptoms will go away. Drugs or alcohol may seem like a quick fix, but they can make your depression worse. Do not be ashamed or embarrassed to seek treatment. You deserve treatment. Treatment works.

What should you know about therapy? Talk therapy is an effective way to treat your depression. Therapy can help you learn about your depression and find ways to manage it. You should feel safe and comfortable discussing your thoughts and feelings with your therapist. If you feel therapy is not working, it is OK to ask for a referral to someone else. You should also ask:

q How will therapy help you?

q What kind of therapy do they recommend?

q Have they treated someone with symptoms like yours?

q How long should treatment last?

q How do they develop a treatment plan? The plan should be based on your needs, strengths, preferences, and goals.

q Is treatment confidential?

q What is their availability after hours? On weekends? In case of emergency?

What should you know about medicines? You may be prescribed medicine for your depression. Work with your doctor to find one that works well for you. Make sure you provide a list of your current medicines and supplements.

q You should know: • There are different medicines that are used

to treat depression. • You may have to try more than one. • It may take a while to get the right dose.

q You should ask: • Why is the medicine right for you? • What are the side effects? • What if you miss a dose? • What if you are pregnant or thinking

of getting pregnant? • What should you do if the medicine makes

you feel worse?

Can a family member or friend help you? Depression can make it hard to reach out to people for help. However, isolating yourself can make your depression worse. It may be good to have a family member or friend, also called an advocate, be a partner in your care. Your advocate can:

q Help you make and get to appointments

q Write down instructions and ask questions

q Motivate you and help you focus on your strengths and goals for treatment

q Recognize changes in your condition

q Ask for help if you are not getting what you need

What can you do to feel better? Feeling better takes time. There are many things you can do to help your treatment be successful. Your doctor or therapist can give you advice on where to start. You should:

q Follow your treatment plan. Talk to your doctor or therapist if you need to change something. • DO NOT abruptly stop treatment or medicines if

things are not working. Be patient. It may take time to see improvements.

• DO NOT abruptly stop treatment or medicines if you are feeling better. This could cause the depression to return.

q Stick to your daily routine. Go to work. Go to school. Get out of the house. See other people.

q Exercise and eat a healthy diet q Get enough sleep q Reduce stress and practice relaxation techniques q Spend time outdoors q Join a support group q Be good to yourself. Depression is not your fault.

Where can you find more information? Information and referrals, 800-950-NAMI (6264) or NAMI HelpLine, www.nami.org

Locate a treatment program, http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

Mental Health First Aid, www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

Mood disorder information and referrals, 800-826-3632, www.DBSAlliance.org/FindSupport

Help in paying for medicines, www.pparx.org

www.jointcommission.org

www.pparx.org

www.nami.org

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

www.DBSAlliance.org/FindSupport

http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov

www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org

www.DBSAlliance.org/FindSupport

www.pparx.org

NR224 Fundamentals: Skills RUA: Safety Goals Guidelines

NR224 RUA Safety Goals Guidelines V5.doc Revised: JAN21 1

Purpose This assignment increases the students' awareness of the National Patient Safety Goals developed by The Joint Commission. Specifically, this assignment will introduce the Speak Up Initiatives, an award-winning patient safety program designed to help patients promote their own safety by proactively taking charge of their healthcare.

Course outcomes: This assignment enables the student to meet the following course outcomes: CO #2: Apply the concepts of health promotion and illness prevention in the laboratory setting. (PO #2) CO #8: Explain the rationale for selected nursing interventions based upon current nursing literature. (PO #8)

Due date: Your faculty member will inform you when this assignment is due. The Late Assignment Policy applies to this assignment.

Total points possible: 50 points

Preparing the assignment 1. Follow these guidelines when completing this assignment. Speak with your faculty member if you have questions.

a. Select a Speak Up brochure from The Joint Commission website. b. Write a short paper reviewing the brochure. Use the Grading Criteria (below) to structure your critique. c. Include current nursing or healthcare journal article to support your critique.

2. Include the following sections a. Introduction of brochure (3 points/6%)

i. Includes brochure title ii. Identifies date published

iii. Describes individuals or groups iv. Brochure properly cited, included on reference list, and submitted with assignment

b. Summary of article (5 points/ 10%) -brochure citation required i. Explain the main topics discussed

c. Communication (5 points/10 %) -brochure citation required i. Review information that promotes communication between patients and healthcare providers

d. Personal Reflection (2 points /4%) i. Why did this topic interest you?

e. Evaluation of brochure (14 points/28% total (2 points each) (Brochure & nursing article must be cited) i. Was the information provided in the brochure beneficial? Could you incorporate it in your patient

education? ii. What was done well, and what could have been improved in the brochure?

iii. Was the information presented clearly? iv. Did current nursing or healthcare related research article support the information presented in the

brochure? v. What population or individuals does this article apply to (i.e., who will benefit the most from this

brochure)? vi. Who else can use this information?

vii. Will this information increase patient safety? f. Evidence Review & Application (5 points/10% total)

i. Evidence was integrated from a recent (5 years) scholarly nursing journal article to support your answers. g. Conclusion (5 points/10%)

i. Restates main ideas ii. Includes supporting information from body of paper

https://www.jointcommission.org/topics/speak_up_campaigns.aspx

NR224 Fundamentals: Skills RUA: Safety Goals Guidelines

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iii. Summarizes the benefits of following the brochure's advice to a person at risk h. APA style and structure (2 points/4%)

i. Adheres to current APA edition formatting guidelines for title page, margins, in-text citations, and references

ii. Section headers are required a. Summary of Brochure b. Patient Communication c. Personal Reflection d. Evaluation of Brochure e. Evidence Review and Application f. Conclusion

iii. Paper is no longer than three (3) pages, excluding title page, reference page, and copy of brochure a. Extra pages will not be read or contribute to the assignment grade

i. Clarity of writing (9 points/18%) i. Proper use of Standard English

ii. Shows original thought iii. No spelling or grammar errors iv. Information presented in a logical progression

For writing assistance (APA, formatting, or grammar) visit the Citing Library Sources page in the online library. Please note that your instructor may provide you with additional assessments in any form to determine that you fully understand the concepts learned in the review module.

https://library.chamberlain.edu/citinglibrarysources

NR224 Fundamentals: Skills RUA: Safety Goals Guidelines

NR224 RUA Safety Goals Guidelines V5.doc Revised: Jan 2021 3

Grading Rubric: Criteria are met when the student’s application of knowledge demonstrates achievement of the outcomes for this assignment. Assignment Section and

Required Criteria (Points possible/% of total points available)

Highest Level of Performance

High Level of Performance

Satisfactory Level of

Performance

Unsatisfactory Level of

Performance

Section not

present

Introduction of Brochure (3 points/6%)

3 Points

2 points 1 point 0 points

Required Criteria 1. Includes brochure title 2. Identifies date published 3. Describes individuals or groups 4. Brochure properly cited, included on reference list,

and submitted with assignment

Includes no less than 4 required criteria.

Includes no less than 3 required criterion.

Includes no less than 2 required criterion.

Section not present or includes less than 1 criterion

Summary of Brochure (5 points/10%)

5 points

0 points

Required Criteria 1. Review the main topics

Includes no less than 1 required criteria. Section not present

Patient Communication (5 points/10%)

5 points 0 Points

Required Criteria 1. Includes information to promote communication

between patients and healthcare providers

Includes no less than 1 required criteria.

Section not present.

Personal Reflection (2 points/ 4%)

2 points 0 Points

Required Criteria 1. Why did this topic interest you? Includes no less than 1 criteria. Section not present

Evaluation of Brochure 14 points total—2 points each

(14 points/28 %)

2 points

0 points

NR224 Fundamentals: Skills RUA: Safety Goals Guidelines

NR224 RUA Safety Goals Guidelines V5.doc Revised: Jan 2021 4

Required Criteria 1. Was the information provided in the brochure

beneficial? Could you incorporate it in your patient education?