Question

A 74-year-old male, retired accountant, with a long-standing history of hypertension and atherosclerosis, begins to exhibit some personality changes, deterioration in grooming, trouble understanding news events, and difficulty managing personal finances. He also stopped attending social events and dropped out of his chess club. His wife of 50 years becomes concerned and schedules an appointment with his healthcare provider, who diagnoses him with Vascular Dementia, Alzheimer’s type. Arrangements have been made for a visiting RN to come to the house once weekly.

Initial Discussion Post:

Address the following:

In what stage of Alzheimer’s disease is this client? What criteria did you use to determine this?

What are 3 priority RN assessments when home visits are made?

What are some anticipated caregiver issues that this client’s spouse will personally experience?

List and describe 3 intercollaborative referrals that may be needed for this client within the next year or so.

Answer 1

The patient is in moderate or middle stage which may vary from 2years to 10years.The patient seems to be withdrawn from social events, personality changes, cognitive changes, behavioral changes poor personal hygiene, forgetfulness.

The priority nursing assessment to be done during home visit

• Assess the activity of daily living
• Safety measurements and techniques handled in home.
• Nutritional status
• Medication

Some of the caregiver issues that the spouse may experience personally are

• Arrangements of the required medical equipment if any needed for the patient care
• Interpersonal relationships with the staff initially to get adjusted video versa
• Duty timings

Some of the intercollaboratory referrals needed for this patient are

• Geriatric physician
• Medical and non medical in me services
• Neurologist
• Neurophysiological
• Psychiatrist
• Elder law specialist