Question

the newly admitted patient has moderate AD. What does the nurse know this patient will need help with?
a. eating
b. walking
c. dressing
d. self care activities

Answer 1

Alzheimer's disease is an amnestic condition associated with impaired memory, executive dysfunction , visuospatial impairment and difficulty in carrying out activities of daily living.

Moderate AD is characterized by impaired speech , difficulty to identify familiar objects, not able to use objects correctly , reduced attention, easy distractibility, frequent emotional outbursts, urinary and fecal problems, lint-picking behaviour etc.

Eating interventions : Nurse needs to know that AD patients have poor recent memory. So a clear schedule should be made so that patient can adhere to it. Provide effective communication and emotional support to patient and family. Ensure adequate food and fluid intake. Evaluate for Dysphagia and provide interventions if present.

Walking : Nurse need to know that AD patients may have wandering behaviour. So she should keep an eye over him and ensure that he is not allowed to wander around. Risk of falls is more. So ensure safe environment to walk . Encourage patient to exercise. Encourage patient independence and motivate him to carryout activities of daily living.

Dressing: Nurse need to know that AD patients may have difficulty in putting on clothes. Also due to behavioural disinhibition they may wander around without clothes.

Self care activities : In moderate AD , patient may not be able to help himself with self care. So nurse needs to assist and monitor him in his activities. Make sure that patient knows the location of his bathroom and take him regularly at 2 hour intervals to bathroom.