Nursing of Adults with Gerontological Changes or Rehabilitation Needs (NURS 30040)
Competencies: Skills gained in course
In
this course, I came to understand the pathophysiological changes that
affect older adults and rehabilitation patients. I learned about the
changes, effects, and nursing care related to aging and rehabilitation. I
learned about the care for individuals and families and how it differs
depending on the setting. I was taught about the use of community
resources and interdisciplinary teams in patient care. I was taught how
to apply the nursing process in caring for older adults. I was taught
about nursing sources and resources and evidenced-based practice. I
learned more about how culture and age affects one's beliefs, customs,
and behaviors.
We
covered seven major units including health perception and health
management, cognitive- perceptual patterns and neurological dysfunction,
self-perception and self-concept, activity and exercise, nutrition,
metabolism, and gastrointestinal function, sexuality, and death, dying,
values and beliefs of older adults and rehabilitation patients.
Personal Reflection: What did you gain from course?
I
learned how being an older adult or rehabilitation patient affects
nursing considerations and nursing care. Older age affects all body
systems. Older adults may have different manifestations of disease than
younger adults. Older adults are often on many medications and possible
side effects are very likely. Assessment is especially important in
older adults because their condition can change quickly. I learned how
nursing care and resources differ based on the facility (hospital and
nursing home). I learned more about assistive devices (walkers, cane,
crutches, wheelchairs), transfer techniques (using a gait belt),
physical/occupational/speech therapy, rehabilitation goals and
indications, the effects of stroke, and communication in patients with
dysphasia.
Patient Teaching Example
During
a clinical day on the rehab floor of the hospital, I was taking care of
a patient that had a total knee replacement. She said that "physical
therapy is always wearing me out." I told her that the exercise
specially after an extensive surgery like a total knee replacement,
rehabilitation is very important. I explained to her the importance of
range-of-motion exercises and ambulation in regaining strength and
activity tolerance. I showed her how to do range-of-motion exercises and
she was able to demonstrate them to me and said she would do them
everyday because "it will help me get better and less tired with
physical therapy."
