Learning Objectives
- Explain the different ways in which the elderly have been viewed throughout history.
- Describe characteristics of today’s elderly population in regard to:
- Life expectancy
- Gender and race differences
- Marital status
- Living arrangements
- Education
- Acute and chronic illness
- Causes of death
- Health insurance coverage
- Discuss projected changes in future generations of elderly people.
- Discuss the change in focus regarding learning about factors influencing aging.
- Discuss the change in focus regarding learning about factors influencing aging.
- Describe the major psychosocial theories of aging.
- Identify factors that promote a healthy aging process.
- Describe unique views of health and healing among major ethnic groups.
- Identify ways in which nursing care may need to be modified to accommodate persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds.
- Discuss changes that occur in aging families.
- List challenges faced by widows.
- Outline the phases of retirement.
- Discuss the impact of age-related changes on roles
- Describe changes in one’s social world with aging.
- List nursing measures to assist individuals in adjusting to the challenges of aging.
- List common age-related changes to the cardiovascular, respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, musculoskeletal, nervous, endocrine, immune, and inaugmentary systems, the sensory organs, and thermoregulation.
- Describe psychological changes experienced with age.
- Discuss risks and nursing considerations associated with age-related changes.
- List landmarks that affected the development of gerontological nursing.
- Discuss major roles in gerontological nursing.
- Identify standards used in gerontological nursing practice.
- List principles guiding gerontological nursing practice.
- Explain holistic gerontological nursing care.
- Describe needs of elders pertaining to the promotion of health and the management of health challenges.
- List the requisites that influence elders’ abilities to meet self-care needs.
- Describe the general types of interventions that are employed when elders present self-care deficits.
- List legal risks in gerontological nursing practice and ways to minimize them.
- Discuss ways to protect the legal rights of older adults.
- List factors that have increased ethical dilemmas for nurses.
- Discuss various philosophies regarding right and wrong.
- Describe ethical principles guiding nursing practice.
- Identify measures to help nurses make ethical decisions.
- List major functions of gerontological nurses.
- Describe various practice settings for gerontological nurses
- Describe the continuum of services available to older adults.
- Discuss factors that influence service selection for older adults.
- List the attributes of a nurse healer.
- Describe the meaning of presence.
- Identify strategies that can be used for self-care and nurturing.
- List factors that contribute to an individual’s unique body, mind, and spirit.
- Describe measures that can be used to facilitate self-reflection.
- List survivor competencies.
- Discuss strategies to empower older adults.
- Differentiate sexuality from sexual function.
- Identify measures to manage menopausal symptoms.
- List communication obstacles resulting from hearing and visual impairments.
- Describe variables that affect socializations in late life.
- List the effects of aging on sexual function.
- Describe factors that can contribute to sexual dysfunction.
- List factors that facilitate connections with others.
- Describe basic spiritual needs
- List questions that could be used for spiritual assessment.
- Discuss measures to support spiritual needs.
- List factors that can alter tissue perfusion.
- Describe nursing measures that could improve circulation.
- Describe measures to reduce risk of respiratory infection and other respiratory complications.
- List age-related factors that affect dietary requirements in late life.
- List the special nutritional needs of aging women.
- Identify causative factors and signs of dehydration.
- Describe oral health problems that could influence nutritional status and recommended oral hygiene for older adults.
- Identify risks associated with the use of nutritional supplements.
- Outline threats to good nutrition in late life and ways to minimize them.
- Describe age-related changes that affect bladder and bowel elimination.
- List nursing measures to promote voiding.
- Describe nursing interventions to prevent and correct constipation.
- List common signs of fecal impaction.
- Discuss unique aspects of skin care in older adults.
- Discuss the effects of fasting.
- List the benefits of activity.
- Discuss the challenges elders may face in maintaining an active state.
- Describe the adjustments that may need to be made in exercise programs in late life.
- List actions that could benefit an elder who has impaired mobility.
- List differences between younger and older adults in sleep stages.
- Describe nonpharmacological means to induce sleep.
- Discuss health conditions that could cause altered sleep patterns.
- Discuss schedule of activity and rest that could benefit elders.
- List the body’s reaction to stress.
- Describe approaches to reduce stress.
- Describe the characteristics and scope of pain.
- List the types of pain.
- Describe the components of a comprehensive pain assessment.
- Outline major complementary and alternative therapies useful in pain management.
- Identify levels of analgesics used for various types of pain.
- Describe comforting strategies.
- List major changes in immunologic function as the result of aging.
- Discuss natural approaches to boosting immunologic health.
- Describe the risks associated with overuse and misuse of antibiotics.
- Describe the effects of aging on safety.
- Discuss the significance of the environment to physical and psychological health and well-being.
- List the impact of age-related changes on the function and safety of the environment.
- Describe adjustments that can be made to the environment to promote safety and function of older persons.
- Identify bathroom hazards and ways to minimize them.
- Discuss the effect of the environment on psychosocial health.
- List measures to reduce the elderly’s risks to safety and well-being.
- Describe safety aids that can be of benefit to the elderly.
- Describe unique features of the common infections of older adults.
- List factors that promote cardiovascular health.
- Identify unique features of common cardiovascular health.
- Describe nursing actions to assist patients with cardiovascular conditions.
- List the impact of age-related changes on respiratory health.
- Describe measures to facilitate respiratory health in the elderly.
- Discuss the risks, symptoms and care considerations associated with selected respiratory illnesses.
- List interventions that can aid in preventing complications and promoting self-care in older persons with respiratory conditions.
- Describe the scope of gastrointestinal problems in the older population.
- Discuss measures to promote gastrointestinal health.
- List symptoms and management of selected gastrointestinal disorders.
- List measures that promote good musculoskeletal function.
- Describe factors contributing to symptoms of, and related nursing care for fractures, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and gout.
- Discuss pain management measures.
- Identify risks associated with musculoskeletal problems.
- Describe measures to facilitate independence in persons with musculoskeletal problems.
- List measures that promote genitourinary health.
- Outline factors to consider in assessing genitourinary health.
- Describe the incidence, symptoms, and management of selected genitourinary disorders.
- Outline a care plan for the patient who is incontinent.
- Discuss measures to promote a positive self-concept in the patient with a genitourinary disorder.
- List risk factors for neurologic problems.
- Identify signs and symptoms of neurologic disorders.
- Describe the symptoms, unique features, and related nursing care for Parkinson’s disease, transient ischemic attacks, and cerebrovascular accidents.
- Discuss actions that promote independence in persons with neurologic problems.
- Describe measures to reduce the risk of injury.
- Describe the importance of good sensory function and the impact of sensory deficits.
- List measures to promote healthy sensory function.
- Identify signs of and nursing interventions for cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, detached retina, corneal ulcers, and hearing impairment.
- List practices that promote good skin health.
- Describe signs of and nursing care for pruritus, keratosis, seborrheic keratosis, malignant melanoma, stasis dermatitis, and pressure ulcer.
- Discuss measures that help patients with skin problems feel normal.
- Identify alternative therapies that promote good skin health.
- Describe unique manifestations of diabetes in the elderly.
- Outline a teaching plan for the older person with diabetes.
- List symptoms of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
- Describe lifestyle changes helpful in reducing elevated cholesterol levels.
- Discuss the prevalence and risks of cancer in the elderly.
- Describe reasons for cancer being more complex in the elderly.
- List factors that increase the risk of caner.
- Outline measures that can reduce the risk of cancer.
- Describe risks of older adults receiving conventional caner treatment.
- Discuss reasons for patients’ choice to use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM).
- List issues to be evaluated in the selection of CAM.
- Discuss nursing considerations in caring for older patients with cancer.
- Describe the realities of mental health and illness in late life.
- List measures that enhance mental health for older adults
- Differentiate delirium from dementia.
- Identify factors that cause delirium.
- Describe the progression of symptoms of dementia.
- List causes of dementia.
- Outline nursing actions for the patient with Alzheimer’s disease.
- Describe the symptoms and care of the older person with depression.
- Identify indications of suicidal thoughts.
- Describe interventions to reduce anxiety.
- Discuss the scope and signs of alcohol abuse in the elderly.
- List reasons for hypochondriasis.
- Identify factors to consider in monitoring psychotropic medications.
- Describe factors that promote a positive self-concept.
- Identify nursing actions to manage disruptive behavior.
- Describe the unique aspects of a drug pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in the aged.
- List measures to promote safe drug use.
- Describe alternatives to medications.
- Discuss the scope of chronic conditions among the older population.
- Differentiate between healing and curing.
- List chronic care goals.
- Outline components of assessment of chronic care needs.
- Discuss approaches to maximize the benefits of conventional treatments.
- Identify alternative therapies that could benefit chronically ill persons.
- Discuss institutional care of the chronically ill.
- Discuss the challenges of living with a disability.
- Describe the principles of rehabilitative nursing.
- List components of the assessment of activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living.
- Identify positions for proper body alignment.
- Describe types of range-of-motion exercises.
- List considerations in the proper use of mobility aids.
- Outline components of bowel and bladder training programs.
- Describe measures to promote mental function.
- Identify resources to assist in patients’ rehabilitation.
- List measures to minimize risks faced by acutely ill older adults.
- Describe risks and precautions for older patients undergoing surgery.
- Describe common geriatric emergencies and related nursing actions.
- Identify measures to reduce the risk of infection.
- Discuss the importance of early discharge planning.
- Describe factors that influence postdischarge outcomes.
- Describe the development of long-term institutional care.
- Discuss the problems resulting from the lack of a unique model for long-term care.
- Identify major categories of standards described in regulations.
- List various roles of nurses in long-term care facilities.
- Describe hygiene, holism, and healing needs of facility residents.’
- List the various structures and functions of families.
- Discuss various roles that family members can assume.
- Describe classic family relationships.
- Identify risks to caregivers and ways to reduce them.
- Identify signs of elder abuse.
- Discuss interventions to reduce family dysfunction.
- Discuss the difficulty people have in facing death.
- Describe the coping mechanisms people use in facing death and related nursing interventions.
- List physical care needs of dying individuals and related nursing interventions.
- Discuss ways in which nurses can support family and friends of dying individuals.
- Describe efforts that advance gerontological nursing research.
- List measures to educate caregivers.
- Identify potential new roles for geronotological nurses.
- Discuss measures to provide quality services while controlling health care costs.
Course Contents
Unit I. Understanding the Aging Experience
- 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
- Theories of Aging
- Biological Theories
- Psychosocial Theories
- Nursing Implications
- Diversity
- Black Americans
- Native Americans
- Jewish Americans
- Asian Americans
- Hispanic Americans
- Elderly Prisoners
- Nursing Considerations
- Life Transitions and Story
- Role Changes
- Ageism
- Grandparenting
- Widowhood
- Retirement
- Awareness of Mortality
- Increasing Health Risks
- Reduced Income
- Shrinking Social World
- Life Story
- Common Aging Changes
- Changes to the Body
- Changes to the Mind
- Nursing Implications
Unit II. Foundations of Gerontological Nursing
- 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
- Holistic Model for Gerontological Care
- Health Promotion-Related Needs
- Health Challenges-Related Needs
- Requisites to Meet Needs
- Gerontological Nursing Interventions
- Examples of Application
- Legal Aspects of Gerontological Nursing
- Laws Governing Gerontological Nursing Practice
- Legal Risks Facing Nurses
- Legal Safeguards
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Connecting With Self
- Self-Reflection
- Strengthening Inner Resources
- Sexuality
- Menopause as a Journey to Inner Connection
- Connecting With Others
- Communication
- Social Interaction and Nursing Intervention
- Sex and the Elderly
- Sexual Intercourse
- Sexual Dysfunction
- Facilitating Connections
Unit IV. Facilitating Physiological Balance
- Respiration and Circulation
- Tissue Health
- Effective Breathing
- Nutritional and Hydration
- Nutritional Needs of Elders
- Special Needs of Women
- Hydration
- Oral Health
- Nutritional Supplements
- Threats to Good Nutrition
- Elimination
- Bladder Elimination
- Bowel Elimination
- Excretion Through the Skin
- Elimination of Toxins via Fasting
- Movement
- Physical Activity
- Special Adjustments for the Elderly
- Mind-Body Connection
- Hazards of Inactivity
- Self-Fulfilling Prophecy
- Rest
- Sleep
- Sleep Disturbances
- Activity and Rest
- Pain Control
- Stress Management
- Comfort
- Comfort
- Pain—A Complex Phenomenon
- Types of Pain
- Pain Management
- An Integrative Approach to Pain Management
- Medication
- Comforting
- Immunity
- The Immune System in Late Life
- Promoting Immunologic Health
- Immunity
- The Immune System in Late Life
- Promoting Immunologic Health
- 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
- Infections
- Common Infections
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- Facilitating Cardiovascular Health
- Cardiovascular Conditions
- General Nursing Considerations
- Complementary Therapies
- Respiratory Conditions
- Effects of Aging on Respiratory Health
- Facilitating Respiratory Health
- Selected Disorders
- Nursing Considerations
- Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Scope and Impact of Gastrointestinal Problems in Late Life
- Facilitating Gastrointestinal Health
- Selected Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Facilitating Musculoskeletal Function
- Selected Disorders
- Nursing Considerations
- Genitourinary Conditions
- Facilitating Genitourinary Health
- Selected Disorders
- Additional Nursing Considerations
- Neurologic Conditions
- Facilitating Neurologic Health
- Selected Disorders
- Nursing Interventions Related to Neurologic Problems
- 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
- Dermatologic Conditions
- Facilitating Good Skin Status
- Selected Conditions
- Nursing Considerations
- Metabolic and Endocrine Conditions
- Diabetes
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hyperlipidemia
- Cancer
- Aging and Cancer
- Cancer Risk Factors
- Prevention
- Screening
- Treatment
- Nursing Considerations
- Conditions Affecting Mood and Cognition
- Aging and Mental Health
- Promoting Mental Heath
- Selected Conditions
- Nursing Considerations
Unit VI. Gerontological Care Issues
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Acute Care
- Risks Associated With Hospitalization
- Surgical Care
- Emergencies
- Infection Control
- Discharge Planning
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Challenges of the Future
- The Past, Present, and Future Status of Gerontological Nursing
- Challenges
Customer Comments
“This course was very informative and great to keep nurses up to date in gerontological nursing.” – D.G., LVN, CA