1.     Describe pathophysiology of Delirium and Alzheimer’s Dementia (AD).

Neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary tangles

Deposits of B-amyloid protein

Neuronal degeneration/loss

Vascular Dementia

2.     Describe diagnostic testing and nursing assessment required for the patient with Delirium and AD.

Medical history, cognitive status, physical exam.

Lab tests, CT, Pet Scans

3.     Assess and differentiate between delirium and dementia.

Confusion

Assessment Method CAM or RADAR

Cognitive assessment

4.    Recognize and name symptoms of Delirium and AD.

Cognitive changes

Behavior and emotional responses.

Changes in ADL and IADL Function

Progression of symptoms

Caregiver strain/burnout

5.    Determine a nursing diagnosis in a patient with Delirium and AD in a case study.

Determine underlying cause of delirium

Altered thought processes

Risk for injury

Wandering

Social isolation

Alteration in nutrition

Self-Care deficits

Catastrophic Reaction

6.     Apply appropriate nursing interventions to respond to specific patient problems related to AD.

RNAO best practice guidelines

Communication techniques

Environmental modifications

Safety techniques

ADLs

Caregiver education and support