| Looking for Zebras: Abnormal Presentations in the Elderly |
| Nanette Lavoie-Vaughan, M.S.N., APN |
Course Description:
The aging process presents a unique manifestation of
signs/symptoms of common illnesses. Even the seasoned nurse
practitioner can be fooled by an unusual presentation. This
program will use case studies that exemplify abnormal
presentations of common conditions to facilitate a critical thinking
process for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It will also
address how to manage this process when there is a paucity of
information from staff and/or family caregivers concerning the
patient. A basic review of the physiological changes that occur in
aging will also be included.
Objectives:
At the completion of this program, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify the normal physiological changes that occur with aging.
2. Develop an algorithm for diagnosing a physical or mental status
change with no other data.
3. Identify 3 common causes of changes in mental/physical status.
4. Identify common presentations of mental/physical status changes.
Outline:
1. Physiological Changes in the Elderly
A. Cardio-respiratory
B. Renal
C. Neurological
D. Immunological
E. Endocrine
F. Pain
2. Mama’s Not Right
A. Mental changes
B. Physical manifestations
3. Case Study 1- UTI
4. Case Study 2- Fecal impaction
5. Case Study 3- Pneumonia
6. Case Study 4- MI
7. Case Study 5- Sepsis
8. Case Study 6- CHF
9. Case Study 7- CVA/TIA
10. Case Study 8- Ruptured vessel
11. Common Threads
A. Delirium
B. Lethargy
C. Appetite
12. Algorithm for Diagnosis
13. Treatment Options by Case Study
14. Staff/ Family Education
A. Change in condition
B. Illness Trajectory
C. Clinical Guidelines
The aging process presents a unique manifestation of
signs/symptoms of common illnesses. Even the seasoned nurse
practitioner can be fooled by an unusual presentation. This
program will use case studies that exemplify abnormal
presentations of common conditions to facilitate a critical thinking
process for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. It will also
address how to manage this process when there is a paucity of
information from staff and/or family caregivers concerning the
patient. A basic review of the physiological changes that occur in
aging will also be included.
Objectives:
At the completion of this program, the participant will be able to:
1. Identify the normal physiological changes that occur with aging.
2. Develop an algorithm for diagnosing a physical or mental status
change with no other data.
3. Identify 3 common causes of changes in mental/physical status.
4. Identify common presentations of mental/physical status changes.
Outline:
1. Physiological Changes in the Elderly
A. Cardio-respiratory
B. Renal
C. Neurological
D. Immunological
E. Endocrine
F. Pain
2. Mama’s Not Right
A. Mental changes
B. Physical manifestations
3. Case Study 1- UTI
4. Case Study 2- Fecal impaction
5. Case Study 3- Pneumonia
6. Case Study 4- MI
7. Case Study 5- Sepsis
8. Case Study 6- CHF
9. Case Study 7- CVA/TIA
10. Case Study 8- Ruptured vessel
11. Common Threads
A. Delirium
B. Lethargy
C. Appetite
12. Algorithm for Diagnosis
13. Treatment Options by Case Study
14. Staff/ Family Education
A. Change in condition
B. Illness Trajectory
C. Clinical Guidelines
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