Category: Breakout Sessions

Many pharmacologic agents block or mimic a few key neurotransmitters in the human body. Acquiring an understanding of the roles of these neurotransmitters equips learners with practical application tools to advance pharmacologic knowledge. This interactive presentation is designed to engage learners in understanding pharmacologic content that applies to current agents and those yet to be brought to market.

Learning Outcomes

• Participants will identify how understanding the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system aids in understanding several pharmacologic agents.
• Participants will identify the role of dopamine in the body and the impact of blocking or mimicking it.
• Participants will identify the role of serotonin in the body and the impact of blocking or mimicking it.

Selected References:

• Adams, M., Holland, L. N., & Urban, C. Q. (2017). Pharmacology for nurses: A pathophysiologic approach. Upper Saddle River, N.J: Pearson Education.
• Cleveland Clinic. “Dopamine.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 23 Mar. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22581-dopamine 
• Cleveland Clinic. “Serotonin.” Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, 18 Mar. 2022, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22572-serotonin 
•  Foster, V. , Collins, E., Dong, H., Nteff, G., & Pinkney, L. (2017). Teaching Clinical Pharmacology to Undergraduate Nursing Students:  Barriers and Strategies. Open Journal of Nursing , 7, 918-929 .
• Hussain, Laila S., et al. “Physiology, Noradrenergic Synapse.” PubMed, StatPearls Publishing, 2022, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK540977/#:~:text=First%20identified%20in%20the%201940s,cognitive%20function%2C%20and%20stress%20reactions.
• https://www.nrsng.com/sock-method-nursing-pharmacology
• Neurotransmitter receptor. Neurotransmitter Receptor – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/neurotransmitter-receptor
• Sheffler ZM, Reddy V, Pillarisetty LS. Physiology, Neurotransmitters. [Updated 2023 May 1]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK539894/

The chronic neurodegenerative nature of Parkinson’s Disease can create challenges for clients and caregivers. This presentation will review common symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease including Parkinson’s Dementia. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic treatments will be addressed.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to recall:

• At least four symptoms associated with Parkinson’s Disease
• At least two considerations in the diagnostic criteria of Parkinson’s Disease Dementia
• Why an interdisciplinary approach is important in the care of clients with Parkinson’s

The off-label use of psychotropics to manage the neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia is historically widespread. This is despite evidence showing limited benefits and high mortality risk. This interactive presentation is designed to explore a root cause analysis of these neuropsychiatric symptoms using an interdisciplinary approach.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Differentiate between a root cause analysis and a medication-based approach to neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.​
2. Identify at least three potential adverse events associated with psychotropics. ​
3. Identify at least three common etiologies behind neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.​
4. Recall at least three benefits of an interdisciplinary approach for neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia ​

Aging is associated with increased risk factors for a number of diseases including dementia. Screening for clinical competency is important for safety as well as disease management. This presentation will explore the clinical evaluation of dementia, common cognitive assessment tools and common dementia profiles. Driving and medication administration considerations will also be discussed.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two essential elements in the clinical evaluation of Dementia​

2. Recall at least two cognitive assessment tools ​ 3. Identify at least one action item when driving safety is of concern in an older adult

This presentation will review common neuropsychiatric symptoms reported in clients with dementia.  A review of common pharmacologic agents used to treat these symptoms will be discussed. Tips for de-escalating someone with agitation will be reviewed and strategies to engage clients with dementia will be explored.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two common triggers of dementia-related neuropsychiatric symptoms
2. Recall at least two pharmacologic drug classes often used for dementia-related agitation.
3. Name at least two considerations when using pharmacologic agents to manage neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia.
4. Offer at least two non-pharmacologic interventions to reduce neuropsychiatric symptoms in clients with dementia.

The COVID-19 pandemic took our nation by surprise. The goal quickly became the protection of older adults and those with co-morbidities. There was a tension between safety and autonomy in long-term care facilities prior to this pandemic. This tension has escalated as COVID-19 mitigation has impacted standards like “Resident Rights.” This presentation will explore the balancing of the physical and mental health of our residents with their safety. 

Objectives:  

The participants will be able to:  

1. Recall the risk of a COVID-19 infection for an older adult with comorbidities 

2. Identify at least two “Resident Rights” that have been compromised during this pandemic 

3. Recall at least two risk factors for the isolation of residents from each other and their families 

Antipsychotic Stewardship 

The risks associated with antipsychotic usage in older adults is well documented. Despite the fact they are not approved for behavioral and psychological symptoms associated with dementia, their use remains common. This presentation will review some of the risk factors associated with antipsychotic agents, the CMS regulatory requirements for clients in long term care, and some practical tips to employ antipsychotic stewardship. Finally, specific antipsychotics will be compared for their safety profiles.  

Objectives:  

Participants will be able to: 

1. Identify at least three risk factors of antipsychotics.  

2. Recall at least two regulatory considerations when using antipsychotics. 

3. State at least 3 actionable steps that can be used to promote antipsychotic stewardship 

Outline 

1. Neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with dementia 

2. Initiating an antipsychotic agent 

3. Regulatory mandates surrounding antipsychotics 

4. Choosing an appropriate antipsychotic 

5. Reducing antipsychotics  

Individuals afflicted with dementia often suffer from dysphagia. Physical limitations, sensory changes, decline in cognition, and other issues may ultimately impact a person’s ability to consume food and fluids. This presentation will explore these issues along with interventions we can employ to promote safe eating practices.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Identify two issues that increase the risk for dysphagia
• Recall when a speech pathologist should be consulted
• Identify two adaptive equipment tools that can be used
• Identify at least two safe eating practice guidelines

This presentation explores the clinical evaluation of dementia and the cognitive assessment tools we use. Profiles of common dementias will be discussed and the associated neuropsychiatric symptoms will be addressed.

Objectives:

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least two considerations in the clinical evaluation of dementia
2. Recall at least two cognitive assessment tools used to evaluate dementia
3. Differentiate between at least two different types of dementia