Category: Breakout Sessions

This presentation is designed to assist health care professionals as they develop care plans for clients with dementia. A review of assessment tools that could be utilized will be addressed along with a review of realistic goals and meaningful interventions. Pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches will be discussed.

Objectives:

The participants will be able to identify:

1. the purpose of dementia care planning
2. at least two cognitive assessment tools for the client with dementia
3. a realistic vs. unrealistic goals for clients with dementia
4. at least three non-pharmacologic interventions
5. the role of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and NMDA receptor antagonist

The literature supports that people have spiritual needs. If we are going to provide wholistic care to our clients, we cannot ignore this. This presentation offers suggestions on how to perform a spiritual assessment, how to address spiritual needs that conflict with our own beliefs, and how to render end of life spiritual care. Furthermore, the participant is encouraged to consider their own faith principles and how that might inform the care they render to others.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

• Identify at least two barriers for assessing spiritual needs
• Recall at least two questions that could be asked to assess spiritual needs
• Discuss why knowing our client’s beliefs regarding death and dying is important
• Describe how our own faith and beliefs can positively impact our care

Older adults in long-term care settings present unique challenges to diabetes management. These obstacles will be explored along with current standards of care. Dietary, glucose monitoring and treatment options will be reviewed.

Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Identify at least 3 unique considerations for managing diabetes in long-term care centers
2. Recall why glucose targets need to be individualized for long-term care clients
3. Identify at least 3 considerations for end-of-life care of the diabetic client

Engaging in Meaningful activities is important for every human, including those in long term care. Clients with dementia are no exception. Our lives need to be filled with more than sleeping, eating, and entertainment. This presentation will explore challenges in offering meaningful activities in the long term care environment, especially for those with dementia. Tailored activity programs will be explored through an interactive format.

Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify at least two ways to help residents feel appreciated.
2. Participants will be able to describe the tension between autonomy vs safety in long-term care settings
3. Participants will be able to create a tailored activity program based on a client’s past history of interest

Metabolic syndrome has become widespread in the United States. Almost 40% of people over the age of 60 have this potentially lethal condition. This presentation will define the metabolic syndrome triad of diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Risk factors and treatment options will be presented.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

1. Identify at least two risk factors for developing metabolic syndrome.
2. Recall at least two nonpharmacologic treatment options for individuals with metabolic syndrome.
3. Name at least two potential consequences of metabolic syndrome.

Osteoporosis results in a significant amount of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Almost a quarter of people who sustain a hip fracture over the age of 50 will die within the following year. This presentation will address the risk factors, diagnostic criteria and treatment options for osteoporosis. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to engage in some exercises that strengthen bones and improve balance.

Objectives:

The participant will be able to:

1. Identify at least two potential risk factors associated with osteoporotic fractures
2. Recall how the FRAX assessment tool can be used to help identify who should be screened
3. State at least two non-pharmacologic treatment strategies to treat or prevent osteoporosis
4. Identify at least two pharmacologic treatment strategies to treat osteoporosis

This presentation is designed to demonstrate practical ways to engage students in the understanding of pharmacologic content. A focus on the pathophysiologic approach to pharmacology and the use of interactive learning styles is emphasized.

Learning Outcomes

• Participants will identify how understanding the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system aids in understanding a number of pharmacologic agents.
• Participants will identify the role of teaching neurotransmitters to enhance pharmacologic understanding.
• Participants will be able to identify at least one way to engage auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners in understanding pharmacologic content.

Summary of Presentation

Engaging students in interactive learning that enhances understanding and not simply memorization of pharmacologic content is critical to their ability to practice as a nursing student and a nurse in the future. This presentation demonstrates creative ways to help students understand the role of neurotransmitters in disease processes and how that relates to the medications that are utilized. If students understand the role of neurotransmitters, then they can comprehend what happens when we block or mimic them. Examples of ways to reach auditory, visual and kinesthetic learners will be utilized.

Clients are dependent on their nurse’s physical assessments. This presentation will help nurses fine-tune this skill set so they can render the best possible care. A demonstration will be offered along with a chance to practice physical assessment skills. Participants should bring a stethoscope and a penlight/flashlight. This is a 2.5 to 3-hour interactive session.

Objectives

1. Recall at least two important features of a general assessment
2. Demonstrate a cardiopulmonary assessment
3. Identify at least two abdominal assessment techniques