Reference no: EM133988436

Assignment

Critical Thinking Exercises "Gerontological Nursing"

1. Mr. Robert Smith is a 79-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with severe hearing problems. Mr. Smith is very upset about his diagnosis and refuses to wear his hearing aids. What are some of the potential reasons for this emotional reaction? What are some potential alternatives for hearing aids? What would be your recommendations for Mr. Smith?

2. Mrs. Williams is an 81-year-old female. She has been increasingly withdrawn and disengaged. Her appetite had declined and she had lost 15 pounds. Her primary care provider recommended a course of antidepressant treatment in order to boost her energy and mood. Mrs. Williams took the medication for 2 weeks and stopped. What are some of the reasons for lack of adherence to depression treatment in older adults? What can be done to increase the use of antidepressants in older adults? What information could be most useful for Mrs. Williams?

3. Mr. Roberts was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. His wife and two daughters are extremely upset, calling you in order to learn more about Mr. Roberts's condition. How would you communicate about Alzheimer's disease with Mr. Roberts's family? What information would be most useful for family members of patients with Alzheimer's disease? What should they expect? Is there anything the family can do to help?

4. What information would be most useful for Mr. Roberts? Should he be present when you discuss his diagnosis with his family members? What are some of the pros and cons for doing so? How would you decide?

5. Mr. Brown is a 71-year-old man with a history of arthritis. During a recent fall at home, he fractured his hip. Mr. Brown has been admitted to the nursing home where you work. What information would you seek out in order to assess Mr. Brown's risk for future falls? What would you be most concerned about?