Psychology

Scenario: Family
An 83, year old woman is recovering from pneumonia. She has Alzheimer’s disease and has become increasingly hostile and unmanageable in the home setting. Her 65, year old daughter is distraught about the idea of placing her mother in a long term care facility but feels she is not able to care for her.

Directions:
Part 1:
• The post must be at least 200 – 300 words in length
• What is your role in this situation?
• How might you help the daughter with her decision?
• What information would you give the daughter?

Scenario: Family
A 78, year old man is a retired banker whose wife died several years ago. He is able to perform all ADLs but needs help with meal preparation and transportation. He lives in a deteriorating neighborhood and no longer feels safe. He does not want to live with family members or completely give up his independence.

Directions:
Part 1:
• The post must be at least 200 – 300 words in length
• What housing options would be appropriate for him? Why?
• What advantages would such housing options offer over living alone?

Scenario: Exercise
You are checking blood pressures at a senior citizen health fair. After you check the blood pressure of an older woman, she asks you about starting an exercise program. She has not been exercising, but some of her friends have told her that she should start to exercise regularly.

Directions:
Part 1:
• The post must be at least 200 – 300 words in length
• What recommendations do you give her?
• What precautions do you include in your recommendations?

Scenario: Safety
A 77, year old woman is hospitalized for management of her diabetes. She has a history of functional urinary incontinence and poor vision from the diabetes. The nursing staff observes her climbing over the side rails on numerous occasions at night en route to the bathroom. She is quite agitated during this time. The nursing assistant requests that you obtain an order for a body restraint at night to prevent her from falling out of bed.

Directions:
Part 1:
• The post must be at least 200 – 300 words in length
• Should this patient be restrained to prevent injury?
• Would you request the order for a body restraint? Why, or why not?
• What other information is relevant to this case?
• What nursing interventions could be tried before considering a restraint?