109: Caring for Patients with Special Needs
© 2011, 2008, 2003 |
|
Increasingly, nurses in acute care hospitals are caring for patients who are admitted for a variety of conditions who present unique care challenges due to cognitive or sensory impairments. The goal of this two- part program is to provide nurses with the information they need to care for these patients safely, appropriately, and with dignity.
By 2030, over half of all Americans will be 65 years of age or older. The incidence of cognitive impairment from dementing conditions, such as Alzheimers Disease, as well as vision and hearing impairments, increases significantly with age. Without understanding how to manage the behavioral responses of a patient with dementia, acute care nursing staff can quickly become overwhelmed with care needs. Knowing how to respond to the needs of people with sensory impairment can ensure that these individuals receive individualized care that is safe and appropriate. Nurses must also be informed of requirements for interpretation and communication adaptation that must by law be provided to persons with hearing impairments.
|
 |
Schools: Mid-level: the disabled patient; eldercare
Healthcare Facilities: All healthcare staff; social services; OT/PT orientation/annual update |
Individual program learning objectives
|
To preview the programs listed below, click on the clips
in the right column and using your mouse select
the controls. These previews are the property of EMD and are not intended for instructional use. |
109.1 Cognitive Impairments (22 min.)
1. Define cognition and cognitive functions.
2. Recognize cognitive impairment.
3. Know the causes of cognitive impairment (Alzheimers disease, multi-infarct dementia, traumatic brain injury).
4. Know the effects of cognitive impairment on daily functions.
5. Know the impact of hospitalization on the cognitively impaired patient.
6. Be able to assess patient on admission.
7. Know nursing interventions for patients with cognitive impairment.
8. Be able to provid a safe and comforting environment by:
preserving the patient’s functional status; preserving patient autonomy and sense of self-worth; and providing education for follow up needs. |
|
109.2 Visual Impairments (19 min.)
1. Define low vision and blindness.
2. Recognize the incidence of visual impairment.
3. Know the causes of low vision and blindness (diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma).
4. Realize effects of visual impairment on daily functions.
5. Know the impact of hospitalization on the visually impaired patient.
6. Be able to assess patient on admission.
7. Be familiar with the following nursing interventions for the hospitalized patient with visual impairment:
Promoting safety; Orienting the patient to the immediate care environment; supporting independence in activities of daily living; and providing education for follow up needs. |
|
109.3 Hearing Impairments (20 min.)
1. Define hearing impairment.
2. Recognize the incidence of hearing impairment.
3. Know the causes of hearing impairment (conductive and sensorineural hearing loss).
4. Be familiar with the effects of hearing impairment on daily functions.
5. Know the impact of hospitalization on the hearing impaired person.
6. Be able to assess patient on admission.
7. Be familiar with the following nursing interventions for the hospitalized patient with hearing impairment: communicating with the hearing impaired person whose speech is difficult to understand; communicating with the hearing impaired person who speech reads; and providing education for follow up needs. |
|