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    John Wallace
    This document discusses laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, nursing care, and medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Laboratory tests cannot diagnose AD but can rule out other causes, and a genetic test can determine increased risk. Diagnostic procedures like MRI, CT, PET scans, and EEG cannot definitively diagnose AD but can rule out other causes. A spinal tap can test cerebral spinal fluid for beta amyloid protein levels. Nursing care includes cognitive assessments, establishing schedules, safety measures, communication aids, and skin checks. Medications target behavioral problems but do not work for all, and AD medications can temporarily slow the disease progression.

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    Notability Notes K

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    John Wallace
    29 views1 page
    This document discusses laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, nursing care, and medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Laboratory tests cannot diagnose AD but can rule out other causes, and a genetic test can determine increased risk. Diagnostic procedures like MRI, CT, PET scans, and EEG cannot definitively diagnose AD but can rule out other causes. A spinal tap can test cerebral spinal fluid for beta amyloid protein levels. Nursing care includes cognitive assessments, establishing schedules, safety measures, communication aids, and skin checks. Medications target behavioral problems but do not work for all, and AD medications can temporarily slow the disease progression.

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    Geriatric Nursing

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    This document discusses laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, nursing care, and medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Laboratory tests cannot diagnose AD but can rule out other causes, and a genetic test can determine increased risk. Diagnostic procedures like MRI, CT, PET scans, and EEG cannot definitively diagnose AD but can rule out other causes. A spinal tap can test cerebral spinal fluid for beta amyloid protein levels. Nursing care includes cognitive assessments, establishing schedules, safety measures, communication aids, and skin checks. Medications target behavioral problems but do not work for all, and AD medications can temporarily slow the disease progression.

    Copyright:

    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as pdf or txt
    29 views1 page

    Notability Notes K

    Uploaded by

    John Wallace
    This document discusses laboratory tests, diagnostic procedures, nursing care, and medications for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Laboratory tests cannot diagnose AD but can rule out other causes, and a genetic test can determine increased risk. Diagnostic procedures like MRI, CT, PET scans, and EEG cannot definitively diagnose AD but can rule out other causes. A spinal tap can test cerebral spinal fluid for beta amyloid protein levels. Nursing care includes cognitive assessments, establishing schedules, safety measures, communication aids, and skin checks. Medications target behavioral problems but do not work for all, and AD medications can temporarily slow the disease progression.

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    of 1

    Laboratory Tests

    • No specific lab test can definitively diagnose AD.


    • Several lab tests can rule out other causes of dementia.
    • A genetic test for the presence of apolipoprotein can determine if there is an increased risk
    of AD, but it does not specifically diagnose AD. The presence of the protein increases the
    likelihood that dementia is due to AD.

    Diagnostic Procedures
    • There is no definitive diagnostic procedure, except brain tissue examination upon death.
    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) imaging/computed axial
    tomography (CAT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and
    electroencephalogram (EEG) may be performed to rule out other possible causes of
    findings.
    • A lumbar puncture may be performed for laboratory testing of cerebral spinal fluid for
    soluble beta protein precursor (sBPP). Beta amyloid protein normally assists in growth and
    protection of nerve cells. The presence of low levels of sBPP supports the diagnosis of AD.

    Nursing Care
    • Assess cognitive status, memory, judgment, and personality changes.
    • Initiate bowel and bladder program based on a set schedule.
    • Encourage the client and family to participate in an AD support group.
    • Provide a safe environment.
    ◦ Frequent monitoring/visual checks.
    ◦ Keep client from stairs, elevators, exits.
    ◦ Remove or secure dangerous items in the client’s environment.
    • Provide frequent walks to reduce wandering.
    • Maintain a sleeping schedule, and monitor for irregular sleeping patterns.
    • Provide verbal and nonverbal ways to communicate with the client.
    • Offer snacks or finger foods if the client is unable to sit for long periods of time.
    • Check skin weekly for breakdown.

    Medications
    • Most medications for clients who have dementia attempt to target behavioral and emotional
    problems (anxiety, agitation, combativeness, depression).
    • These medications include antipsychotics, antidepressants, and anxiolytics. Closely monitor
    clients receiving these medications for adverse effects.
    • AD medications temporarily slow the course of the disease and do not work for all clients.
    ◦ Pharmacotherapeutics is based on the theory that AD is a result of depleted levels of the
    enzyme acetyltransferase, which is necessary to produce the neurotransmitter
    acetylcholine.
    ◦ Benefits for clients who do respond to medication include improvements in cognition,
    behavior, and function.

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