After completing this course you’ll be able to:
| 1. | Explain the different ways in which the elderly have been viewed throughout history. |
| 2. | Describe characteristics of today’s elderly population in regard to:
|
| 3. | Discuss projected changes in future generations of elderly people. |
| 4. | Discuss the change in focus regarding learning about factors influencing aging. |
| 5. | Discuss the change in focus regarding learning about factors influencing aging. |
| 6. | Describe the major psychosocial theories of aging. |
| 7. | Identify factors that promote a healthy aging process. |
| 8. | Describe unique views of health and healing among major ethnic groups. |
| 9. | Identify ways in which nursing care may need to be modified to accommodate persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds. |
| 10. | Discuss changes that occur in aging families. |
| 11. | List challenges faced by widows. |
| 12. | Outline the phases of retirement. |
| 13. | Discuss the impact of age-related changes on roles |
| 14. | Describe changes in one’s social world with aging. |
| 15. | List nursing measures to assist individuals in adjusting to the challenges of aging. |
| 16. | List common age-related changes to the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, immune, and inaugmentary systems, the sensory organs, and thermoregulation. |
| 17. | Describe psychological changes experienced with age. |
| 18. | Discuss risks and nursing considerations associated with age-related changes. |
| 19. | List landmarks that affected the development of gerontological nursing. |
| 20. | Discuss major roles in gerontological nursing. |
| 21. | Identify standards used in gerontological nursing practice. |
| 22. | List principles guiding gerontological nursing practice. |
| 23. | Explain holistic gerontological nursing care. |
| 24. | Describe needs of elders pertaining to the promotion of health and the management of health challenges. |
| 25. | List the requisites that influence elders’ abilities to meet self-care needs. |
| 26. | Describe the general types of interventions that are employed when elders present self-care deficits. |
| 27. | List legal risks in gerontological nursing practice and ways to minimize them. |
| 28. | Discuss ways to protect the legal rights of older adults. |
| 29. | List factors that have increased ethical dilemmas for nurses. |
| 30. | Discuss various philosophies regarding right and wrong. |
| 31. | Describe ethical principles guiding nursing practice. |
| 32. | Identify measures to help nurses make ethical decisions. |
| 33. | List major functions of gerontological nurses. |
| 34. | Describe various practice settings for gerontological nurses |
| 35. | Describe the continuum of services available to older adults. |
| 36. | Discuss factors that influence service selection for older adults. |
| 37. | List the attributes of a nurse healer. |
| 38. | Describe the meaning of presence. |
| 39. | Identify strategies that can be used for self-care and nurturing. |
| 40. | List factors that contribute to an individual’s unique body, mind, and spirit. |
| 41. | Describe measures that can be used to facilitate self-reflection. |
| 42. | List survivor competencies. |
| 43. | Discuss strategies to empower older adults. |
| 44. | Differentiate sexuality from sexual function. |
| 45. | Identify measures to manage menopausal symptoms. |
| 46. | List communication obstacles resulting from hearing and visual impairments. |
| 47. | Describe variables that affect socializations in late life. |
| 48. | List the effects of aging on sexual function. |
| 49. | Describe factors that can contribute to sexual dysfunction. |
| 50. | List factors that facilitate connections with others. |
| 51. | Describe basic spiritual needs |
| 52. | List questions that could be used for spiritual assessment. |
| 53. | Discuss measures to support spiritual needs. |
| 54. | List factors that can alter tissue perfusion. |
| 55. | Describe nursing measures that could improve circulation. |
| 56. | Describe measures to reduce risk of respiratory infection and other respiratory complications. |
| 57. | List age-related factors that affect dietary requirements in late life. |
| 58. | List the special nutritional needs of aging women. |
| 59. | Identify causative factors and signs of dehydration. |
| 60. | Describe oral health problems that could influence nutritional status and recommended oral hygiene for older adults. |
| 61. | Identify risks associated with the use of nutritional supplements. |
| 62. | Outline threats to good nutrition in late life and ways to minimize them. |
| 63. | Describe age-related changes that affect bladder and bowel elimination. |
| 64. | List nursing measures to promote voiding. |
| 65. | Describe nursing interventions to prevent and correct constipation. |
| 66. | List common signs of fecal impaction. |
| 67. | Discuss unique aspects of skin care in older adults. |
| 68. | Discuss the effects of fasting. |
| 69. | List the benefits of activity. |
| 70. | Discuss the challenges elders may face in maintaining an active state. |
| 71. | Describe the adjustments that may need to be made in exercise programs in late life. |
| 72. | List actions that could benefit an elder who has impaired mobility. |
| 73. | List differences between younger and older adults in sleep stages. |
| 74. | Describe nonpharmacological means to induce sleep. |
| 75. | Discuss health conditions that could cause altered sleep patterns. |
| 76. | Discuss schedule of activity and rest that could benefit elders. |
| 77. | List the body’s reaction to stress. |
| 78. | Describe approaches to reduce stress. |
| 79. | Describe the characteristics and scope of pain. |
| 80. | List the types of pain. |
| 81. | Describe the components of a comprehensive pain assessment. |
| 82. | Outline major complementary and alternative therapies useful in pain management. |
| 83. | Identify levels of analgesics used for various types of pain. |
| 84. | Describe comforting strategies. |
| 85. | List major changes in immunologic function as the result of aging. |
| 86. | Discuss natural approaches to boosting immunologic health. |
| 87. | Describe the risks associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics. |
| 88. | Describe the effects of aging on safety. |
| 89. | Discuss the significance of the environment to physical and psychological health and well-being. |
| 90. | List the impact of age-related changes on the function and safety of the environment. |
| 91. | Describe adjustments that can be made to the environment to promote safety and function of older persons. |
| 92. | Identify bathroom hazards and ways to minimize them. |
| 93. | Discuss the effect of the environment on psychosocial health. |
| 94. | List measures to reduce the elderly’s risks to safety and well-being. |
| 95. | Describe safety aids that can be of benefit to the elderly. |
| 96. | Describe unique features of the common infections of older adults. |
| 97. | List factors that promote cardiovascular health. |
| 98. | Identify unique features of common cardiovascular health. |
| 99. | Describe nursing actions to assist patients with cardiovascular conditions. |
| 100. | List the impact of age-related changes on respiratory health. |
| 101. | Describe measures to facilitate respiratory health in the elderly. |
| 102. | Discuss the risks, symptoms and care considerations associated with selected respiratory illnesses. |
| 103. | List interventions that can aid in preventing complications and promoting self-care in older persons with respiratory conditions. |
| 104. | Describe the scope of gastrointestinal problems in the older population. |
| 105. | Discuss measures to promote gastrointestinal health. |
| 106. | List symptoms and management of selected gastrointestinal disorders. |
| 107. | List measures that promote good musculoskeletal function. |
| 108. | Describe factors contributing to symptoms of, and related nursing care for fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout. |
| 109. | Discuss pain management measures. |
| 110. | Identify risks associated with musculoskeletal problems. |
| 111. | Describe measures to facilitate independence in persons with musculoskeletal problems. |
| 112. | List measures that promote genitourinary health. |
| 113. | Outline factors to consider in assessing genitourinary health. |
| 114. | Describe the incidence, symptoms, and management of selected genitourinary disorders. |
| 115. | Outline a care plan for the patient who is incontinent. |
| 116. | Discuss measures to promote a positive self-concept in the patient with a genitourinary disorder. |
| 117. | List risk factors for neurologic problems. |
| 118. | Identify signs and symptoms of neurologic disorders. |
| 119. | Describe the symptoms, unique features, and related nursing care for Parkinson’s disease, transient ischemic attacks, and cerebrovascular accidents. |
| 120. | Discuss actions that promote independence in persons with neurologic problems. |
| 121. | Describe measures to reduce the risk of injury. |
| 122. | Describe the importance of good sensory function and the impact of sensory deficits. |
| 123. | List measures to promote healthy sensory function. |
| 124. | Identify signs of and nursing interventions for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, corneal ulcers, and hearing impairment. |
| 125. | List practices that promote good skin health. |
| 126. | Describe signs of and nursing care for pruritus, keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, malignant melanoma, stasis dermatitis, and pressure ulcer. |
| 127. | Discuss measures that help patients with skin problems feel normal. |
| 128. | Identify alternative therapies that promote good skin health. |
| 129. | Describe unique manifestations of diabetes in the elderly. |
| 130. | Outline a teaching plan for the older person with diabetes. |
| 131. | List symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. |
| 132. | Describe lifestyle changes helpful in reducing elevated cholesterol levels. |
| 133. | Discuss the prevalence and risks of cancer in the elderly. |
| 134. | Describe reasons for cancer being more complex in the elderly. |
| 135. | List factors that increase the risk of caner. |
| 136. | Outline measures that can reduce the risk of cancer. |
| 137. | Describe risks of older adults receiving conventional caner treatment. |
| 138. | Discuss reasons for patients’ choice to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). |
| 139. | List issues to be evaluated in the selection of CAM. |
| 140. | Discuss nursing considerations in caring for older patients with cancer. |
| 141. | Describe the realities of mental health and illness in late life. |
| 142. | List measures that enhance mental health for older adults |
| 143. | Differentiate delirium from dementia. |
| 144. | Identify factors that cause delirium. |
| 145. | Describe the progression of symptoms of dementia. |
| 146. | List causes of dementia. |
| 147. | Outline nursing actions for the patient with Alzheimer’s disease. |
| 148. | Describe the symptoms and care of the older person with depression. |
| 149. | Identify indications of suicidal thoughts. |
| 150. | Describe interventions to reduce anxiety. |
| 151. | Discuss the scope and signs of alcohol abuse in the elderly. |
| 152. | List reasons for hypochondriasis. |
| 153. | Identify factors to consider in monitoring psychotropic medications. |
| 154. | Describe factors that promote a positive self-concept. |
| 155. | Identify nursing actions to manage disruptive behavior. |
| 156. | Describe the unique aspects of a drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the aged. |
| 157. | List measures to promote safe drug use. |
| 158. | Describe alternatives to medications. |
| 159. | Discuss the scope of chronic conditions among the older population. |
| 160. | Differentiate between healing and curing. |
| 161. | List chronic care goals. |
| 162. | Outline components of assessment of chronic care needs. |
| 163. | Discuss approaches to maximize the benefits of conventional treatments. |
| 164. | Identify alternative therapies that could benefit chronically ill persons. |
| 165. | Discuss institutional care of the chronically ill. |
| 166. | Discuss the challenges of living with a disability. |
| 167. | Describe the principles of rehabilitative nursing. |
| 168. | List components of the assessment of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living. |
| 169. | Identify positions for proper body alignment. |
| 170. | Describe types of range-of-motion exercises. |
| 171. | List considerations in the proper use of mobility aids. |
| 172. | Outline components of bowel and bladder training programs. |
| 173. | Describe measures to promote mental function. |
| 174. | Identify resources to assist in patients’ rehabilitation. |
| 175. | List measures to minimize risks faced by acutely ill older adults. |
| 176. | Describe risks and precautions for older patients undergoing surgery. |
| 177. | Describe common geriatric emergencies and related nursing actions. |
| 178. | Identify measures to reduce the risk of infection. |
| 179. | Discuss the importance of early discharge planning. |
| 180. | Describe factors that influence postdischarge outcomes. |
| 181. | Describe the development of long-term institutional care. |
| 182. | Discuss the problems resulting from the lack of a unique model for long-term care. |
| 183. | Identify major categories of standards described in regulations. |
| 184. | List various roles of nurses in long-term care facilities. |
| 185. | Describe hygiene, holism, and healing needs of facility residents. |
| 186. | List the various structures and functions of families. |
| 187. | Discuss various roles that family members can assume. |
| 188. | Describe classic family relationships. |
| 189. | Identify risks to caregivers and ways to reduce them. |
| 190. | Identify signs of elder abuse. |
| 191. | Discuss interventions to reduce family dysfunction. |
| 192. | Discuss the difficulty people have in facing death. |
| 193. | Describe the coping mechanisms people use in facing death and related nursing interventions. |
| 194. | List physical care needs of dying individuals and related nursing interventions. |
| 195. | Discuss ways in which nurses can support family and friends of dying individuals. |
| 196. | Describe efforts that advance gerontological nursing research. |
| 197. | List measures to educate caregivers. |
| 198. | Identify potential new roles for geronotological nurses. |
| 199. | Discuss measures to provide quality services while controlling health care costs. |
| Unit I. Understanding the Aging Experience | |||
| 1 | The Aging Population | ||
| The Aged Through History | |||
| Growth of The Older Population | |||
| Race and Gender Differences | |||
| Income and Employment | |||
| Education | |||
| Health Status | |||
| Use of Resources | |||
| Impact of the Baby Boomers | |||
| 2 | Theories of Aging | ||
| Biological Theories | |||
| Psychosocial Theories | |||
| Nursing Implications | |||
| 3 | Diversity | ||
| Black Americans | |||
| Native Americans | |||
| Jewish Americans | |||
| Asian Americans | |||
| Hispanic Americans | |||
| Elderly Prisoners | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| 4 | Life Transitions and Story | ||
| Role Changes | |||
| Ageism | |||
| Grandparenting | |||
| Widowhood | |||
| Retirement | |||
| Awareness of Mortality | |||
| Increasing Health Risks | |||
| Reduced Income | |||
| Shrinking Social World | |||
| Life Story | |||
| 5 | Common Aging Changes | ||
| Changes to the Body | |||
| Changes to the Mind | |||
| Nursing Implications | |||
| Unit II. Foundations of Gerontological Nursing | |||
| 6 | The Specialty of Gerontological Nursing | ||
| Development of Gerontological Nursing | |||
| Gerontological Nursing Roles | |||
| Advanced Practice Nursing | |||
| Standards | |||
| Evidence-Based Practice | |||
| Principles Guiding Gerontological Nursing Practice | |||
| Holistic Gerontological Care | |||
| 7 | Holistic Model for Gerontological Care | ||
| Health Promotion-Related Needs | |||
| Health Challenges-Related Needs | |||
| Requisites to Meet Needs | |||
| Gerontological Nursing Interventions | |||
| Examples of Application | |||
| 8 | Legal Aspects of Gerontological Nursing | ||
| Laws Governing Gerontological Nursing Practice | |||
| Legal Risks Facing Nurses | |||
| Legal Safeguards | |||
| 9 | Ethics of Caring | ||
| Changes Increasing Ethical Dilemmas for Nurses | |||
| Philosophies Guiding Ethical Thinking | |||
| Ethics in Nursing | |||
| Ethical Dilemmas Facing Nursing | |||
| Measures to Help Nurses Make Ethical Decisions | |||
| 10 | Gerontological Nursing Practice Settings | ||
| Role of Gerontological Nurses in Diverse Care Settings | |||
| Practice Settings for Gerontological Nurses | |||
| Preventive and Ancillary Services | |||
| Supportive Services | |||
| Partial and Intermittent Care Services | |||
| Complete and Continuous Care Services | |||
| Nonconventional Services | |||
| Matching Services to Needs | |||
| 11 | Self-Care for the Gerontological Nurse | ||
| Gerontological Nurses Create Foundations for Healing | |||
| Characteristics of Nurse Healers | |||
| Self-Care and Nurturing | |||
| Self-Care Is a Dynamic Process | |||
| Unit III. Fostering Connection and Gratification | |||
| 12 | Connecting With Self | ||
| Self-Reflection | |||
| Strengthening Inner Resources | |||
| Sexuality | |||
| Menopause as a Journey to Inner Connection | |||
| 13 | Connecting With Others | ||
| Communication | |||
| Social Interaction and Nursing Intervention | |||
| Sex and the Elderly | |||
| Sexual Intercourse | |||
| Sexual Dysfunction | |||
| Facilitating Connections | |||
| Unit IV. Facilitating Physiological Balance | |||
| 15 | Respiration and Circulation | ||
| Tissue Health | |||
| Effective Breathing | |||
| 16 | Nutritional and Hydration | ||
| Nutritional Needs of Elders | |||
| Special Needs of Women | |||
| Hydration | |||
| Oral Health | |||
| Nutritional Supplements | |||
| Threats to Good Nutrition | |||
| 17 | Elimination | ||
| Bladder Elimination | |||
| Bowel Elimination | |||
| Excretion Through the Skin | |||
| Elimination of Toxins via Fasting | |||
| 18 | Movement | ||
| Physical Activity | |||
| Special Adjustments for the Elderly | |||
| Mind-Body Connection | |||
| Hazards of Inactivity | |||
| Self-Fulfilling Prophecy | |||
| 19 | Rest | ||
| Sleep | |||
| Sleep Disturbances | |||
| Activity and Rest | |||
| Pain Control | |||
| Stress Management | |||
| 20 | Comfort | ||
| Comfort | |||
| Pain—A Complex Phenomenon | |||
| Types of Pain | |||
| Pain Management | |||
| An Integrative Approach to Pain Management | |||
| Medication | |||
| Comforting | |||
| 21 | Immunity | ||
| The Immune System in Late Life | |||
| Promoting Immunologic Health | |||
| 22 | Risk Reduction | ||
| Aging and Risks to Safety | |||
| Impact of Environment | |||
| Impact of Aging on Environmental Safety and Function | |||
| Lighting | |||
| Temperature | |||
| Colors | |||
| Scents | |||
| Floor Coverings | |||
| Furniture | |||
| Sensory Stimulation | |||
| Noise Control | |||
| Bathroom Hazards | |||
| Psychosocial Considerations | |||
| Reducing Risks | |||
| Early Detection | |||
| Risks Associated With Functional Impairment | |||
| Falls | |||
| Restraint | |||
| Safety Aids | |||
| Unit V. Selected Health Conditions | |||
| 23 | Infections | ||
| Common Infections | |||
| 24 | Cardiovascular Conditions | ||
| Facilitating Cardiovascular Health | |||
| Cardiovascular Conditions | |||
| General Nursing Considerations | |||
| Complementary Therapies | |||
| 25 | Respiratory Conditions | ||
| Effects of Aging on Respiratory Health | |||
| Facilitating Respiratory Health | |||
| Selected Disorders | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| 26 | Gastrointestinal Conditions | ||
| Scope and Impact of Gastrointestinal Problems in Late Life | |||
| Facilitating Gastrointestinal Health | |||
| Selected Disorders | |||
| 27 | Musculoskeletal Conditions | ||
| Facilitating Musculoskeletal Function | |||
| Selected Disorders | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| 28 | Genitourinary Conditions | ||
| Facilitating Genitourinary Health | |||
| Selected Disorders | |||
| Additional Nursing Considerations | |||
| 29 | Neurologic Conditions | ||
| Facilitating Neurologic Health | |||
| Selected Disorders | |||
| Nursing Interventions Related to Neurologic Problems | |||
| 30 | Sensory Deficits | ||
| Importance of Good Sensory Function | |||
| Facilitating Optimal Sensory Function | |||
| Visual Deficits and Related Nursing Interventions | |||
| Hearing Deficits and Related Nursing Interventions | |||
| Other Sensory Deficits and Related Nursing Interventions | |||
| 31 | Dermatologic Conditions | ||
| Facilitating Good Skin Status | |||
| Selected Conditions | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| 32 | Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions | ||
| Diabetes | |||
| Hypothyroidism | |||
| Hyperthyroidism | |||
| Hyperlipidemia | |||
| 33 | Cancer | ||
| Aging and Cancer | |||
| Cancer Risk Factors | |||
| Prevention | |||
| Screening | |||
| Treatment | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| 34 | Conditions Affecting Mood and Cognition | ||
| Aging and Mental Health | |||
| Promoting Mental Heath | |||
| Selected Conditions | |||
| Nursing Considerations | |||
| Unit VI. Gerontological Care Issues | |||
| 35 | Safe Medication Use | ||
| Drugs Consumed by the Older Population | |||
| Response of Older Adults to Drugs | |||
| Pharmacokinetics | |||
| Pharmacodynamics | |||
| Promoting the Safe Use of Drugs | |||
| Alternatives to Drugs | |||
| 36 | Living in Harmony With Chronic Conditions | ||
| Chronic Conditions and the Elderly | |||
| Healing Versus Curing | |||
| Chronic Care Goals | |||
| Assessing Chronic Care Needs | |||
| Maximizing Function | |||
| Following the Course of Chronic Care | |||
| 37 | Rehabilitative Care | ||
| Living With Disability | |||
| Rehabilitative Nursing | |||
| Assessing Functional Capacity | |||
| Proper Positioning | |||
| Range-of-Motion Exercises | |||
| Mobility Aids | |||
| Bowel and Bladder Training | |||
| Maintaining and Promoting Mental Function | |||
| Resources for Rehabilitative Needs | |||
| 38 | Acute Care | ||
| Risks Associated With Hospitalization | |||
| Surgical Care | |||
| Emergencies | |||
| Infection Control | |||
| Discharge Planning | |||
| 39 | Nursing in Long-Term Care Facilities | ||
| Development of Long-Term Institutional Care | |||
| Facility Residents | |||
| Facility Standards | |||
| Nursing Responsibilities | |||
| A New Model of Long-Term Care | |||
| 40 | Family Caregiving | ||
| Various Family Compositions | |||
| Family Roles | |||
| Family Dynamics | |||
| Scope of Family Caregiving | |||
| Protecting the Health of Patient and Caregiver | |||
| Family Dysfunction | |||
| Rewards of Caregiving | |||
| 41 | End of Life Care | ||
| Definitions of Death | |||
| Family Experience With Mortality in the Past | |||
| Family Experience With Mortality in the Present | |||
| Supporting the Dying Individual | |||
| Supporting Family and Friends | |||
| Supporting Nursing Staff | |||
| 42 | Challenges of the Future | ||
| The Past, Present, and Future Status of Gerontological Nursing | |||
| Challenges | |||
"This course was very informative and great to keep nurses up to date in gerontological nursing." - D.G., LVN, CA
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