Nursing Care for the Alzheimer’s Patient

State Specific Requirements:

The course content adheres to the Rhode Island registered nursing requirements for licensure and emphasizes evidence-based practice guidelines and ethical standards in Alzheimer’s nursing care.

Summary: 

This one-hour Continuing Education (CE) course is designed to provide registered nurses with comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary for the effective care of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Participants will learn about the pathophysiology, assessment, management, and ethical considerations related to Alzheimer’s nursing care. The course will cover evidence-based practices and strategies for optimizing patient outcomes and enhancing quality of life for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease.

Course Overview:

Alzheimer’s disease presents unique challenges for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses who play a vital role in the care and management of individuals affected by this progressive neurodegenerative condition. This one-hour Continuing Education (CE) course, titled “Alzheimer’s Nursing Care: Understanding and Managing Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease,” offers registered nurses a comprehensive exploration of the complexities involved in providing effective care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Through a combination of didactic instruction, case studies, and practical strategies, participants will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to deliver person-centered care and support individuals and their families throughout the disease trajectory.

The course begins with an in-depth examination of Alzheimer’s disease, covering its definition, epidemiology, and underlying pathophysiology, drawing on seminal works by Alzheimer (1907) and subsequent advancements in the field (Bennett et al., 2018). Participants will delve into the multifaceted assessment process for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease, encompassing cognitive, functional, and behavioral evaluations, guided by established assessment tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Functional Assessment Staging Test (FAST) (Folstein et al., 1975; Reisberg et al., 1982).

Building upon this foundation, the course will explore evidence-based interventions for managing symptoms and complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease, including pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Best practices for promoting person-centered care will be emphasized throughout, drawing on seminal works by Kitwood (1997) and Brooker (2004) on person-centered dementia care. Ethical considerations, such as informed consent and end-of-life care, will also be addressed in accordance with ethical guidelines outlined by the American Nurses Association (ANA, 2016).

Moreover, participants will learn about the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and support networks in Alzheimer’s nursing care, recognizing the essential role of family caregivers and community resources in optimizing care outcomes. By the course’s conclusion, nurses will be equipped with the knowledge and resources needed to provide compassionate, holistic care for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Author:  NIHE Faculty

CE Hours:  1

Course Created on:  2/21/24   Course Expires on:  2/21/27

Target Audience:  

• Registered Nurses (RN)
• Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN)
• Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN/LVN)

Completion Requirements

1. Enrollment in the course by the learner
2. Read and learn all course materials
3. Complete the course evaluation
4. Attest and testify learning of the course materials

Disclosure of Conflicts of Interest and Relevant Financial Relationships

Neither National Institute for Healthcare Education nor any authors, planners, content experts, or contributors have any relevant financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose.

Accreditation Statement:  

National Institute for Healthcare Education, the parent company of TopNurseCE.com, is a CA Board of Registered Nursing CE Provider #13886. In this course, we will discuss nursing care for the Alzheimer’s patient.  It will take the average learner 1 hour to complete. 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this course is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a healthcare provider in considering diagnosis and treatment options for a particular patient’s medical condition. Copyright © 2024: All rights reserved. No part of the materials may be reproduced without the express written consent of TopNurseCE.com Professional Educational Institution. The content of this course is intended to provide general information on the topics covered. This information has been prepared by experts with practical experience in the subject matter. This should not be considered medical, legal or professional advice. TopNurseCE.com recommends that individuals contact a licensed medical, legal or professional provider in their respective state. While TopNurseCE.com uses reasonable efforts to ensure that all content provided in this course is accurate and current at the time of publication, TopNurseCE.com makes no representations as to its applicability to your particular situation. No guarantees are given and reliance on them does not constitute liability. Material. Testimonials are collected from feedback surveys submitted by customers. The model presented is for representation purposes and is not intended for actual customers.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the pathophysiology and progression of Alzheimer’s disease.
2. Perform comprehensive assessments of patients with Alzheimer’s disease, including cognitive, functional, and behavioral assessments.
3. Implement evidence-based interventions for managing common symptoms and complications associated with Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Identify strategies for providing person-centered care and promoting dignity and autonomy for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
5. Recognize the ethical considerations and legal issues that impact providing care for Alzheimer’s patients.
6. Collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and support networks to optimize care outcomes for patients with Alzheimer’s disease.

Expand the following to 500 words with APA citations. Give 3 multiple choice questions with answers. Avoid plagiarizing any sources.

Course Outline 

Module 1 Introduction to Alzheimer’s Disease 

1. Definition and Epidemiology 
2. Pathophysiology and Progression 
3. Risk Factors and Etiology

Module 2 Assessment of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease 

1. Cognitive Assessment 
2. Functional Assessment 
3. Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms Assessment 
4. Physical Assessment and Co-morbidities

Module 3  Management of Alzheimer’s Disease Symptoms 

1. Pharmacological Interventions 
2. Non-pharmacological Interventions 
3. Behavioral Management Techniques 
4. Caregiver Support and Education

Module 4   Person-Centered Care for Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease 

1. Understanding the Individual’s Background and Preferences 
2. Communication Strategies 
3. Enhancing Quality of Life and Maintaining Independence

Module 5  Ethical and Legal Considerations in Alzheimer’s Nursing Care 

1. Informed Consent and Decision-Making Capacity 
2. Advance Care Planning 
3. End-of-Life Care and Palliative Care

Module 6  Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Support Networks 

1. Role of the Interdisciplinary Team 
2. Collaboration with Family Caregivers 
3. Community Resources and Support Services

Conclusion: This continuing education (CE) course seeks to equip registered nurses with the essential knowledge and abilities required to deliver comprehensive and empathetic care for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.  By understanding the complexities of Alzheimer’s nursing care, nurses can enhance patient outcomes and support individuals and their families throughout the disease trajectory.