Question

Congratulations! You have graduated Chamberlain University and have been working as a nurse for one year. On your next shift, you are tasked with taking care of a 75-year-old woman who is suffering from dementia. She is under your care and has been recently diagnosed with depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Her family comes to visit her often and expresses to you that they are worried about her overall health and have been overly stressed making sure she gets the proper care she needs. The family has also stated that they believe the recent hospitalization is contributing to her stress.

Answer the following questions based on the scenario described above:

• Discuss two to three major theories or concepts that you have learned throughout the course and apply them to the case. Creativity in application is encouraged!
• As a future nurse, how will having an understanding of psychological principles help you in the workplace, with patients and co-workers?

Answer 1

A combination of medications, therapy, and gradual reconnection to activities and individuals that bring pleasure is the most common treatment for Alzheimer's depression. "It is rarely helpful to simply tell the person with Alzheimer's to" cheer up," "snap out of it "or" try harder. Depressed people with or without Alzheimer's will rarely, by sheer will, or without lots of help, reassurance and clinical assistance, make themselves better.

• Support groups, particularly for people with Alzheimer's who are aware of their diagnosis and prefer to take an active role in finding help or supporting others, can be very helpful , especially an early stage group; therapy is also an option , especially for those who are not comfortable in groups
• Schedule a predictable daily schedule, taking advantage of the best time of day for the individual to perform challenging activities, such as bathing.
• Create a list of events, people or places that are enjoyed by the person and schedule them
• Help the individual regularly exercise, especially in the morning,
• Acknowledge the person's anger or disappointment, while continuing to convey hope that he or she will feel better soon
• Celebrate small moments and milestones
• Find ways in which the person may contribute to family life and make sure they appreciate their contributions.
• Provide reassurance that the person as part of the family is cherished, valued and appreciated, and not just for what she or he can do now.
• Nurture the person with favourite food offerings or calming or inspiring activities.
• Reassure the person that he or she won't be abandoned