Elder Mistreatment Prevention Rounds in Nursing Homes Fulmer, Terry; Bonner, Alice; Chandra, Shreya; More Fulmer, Terry; Bonner, Alice; Chandra, Shreya; Le, Tim Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 122(7):7, July 2022. Abstract Abstract Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article Free
Determining When an Activity Is or Is Not Research Olsen, Douglas P.; Smania, Mary Alison Olsen, Douglas P.; Smania, Mary Alison Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 116(10):55-60, October 2016. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: The authors examine the ethical and practical significance of making a distinction between research and not research when using data to identify best practices and improve care. Buy
HOW TO TRY THIS: Assessment of Transient Urinary Incontinence in Older Adults Dowling-Castronovo, Annemarie; Specht, Janet K. Dowling-Castronovo, Annemarie; Specht, Janet K. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 109(2):62-71, February 2009. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Failure to identify and respond to transient urinary incontinence may lead to poor outcomes after hospital discharge. A bladder diary and a mnemonic are two methods nurses can use to assess for transient urinary incontinence and its treatable underlying causes. Go to Full Text of this Article Free SDC CE Test
How to try this: Monitoring Medication Use in Older Adults Molony, Sheila L. Molony, Sheila L. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 109(1):68-78, January 2009. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: The Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults can be used to evaluate whether risks outweigh benefits for prescribed drugs. Buy CE Test
Screening Older Adults for Executive Dysfunction Kennedy, Gary J.; Smyth, Carole A. Kennedy, Gary J.; Smyth, Carole A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(12):62-71, December 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: The detection of executive dysfunction is essential to helping a patient remain as safe and independent as possible. The authors review several "best-practice" approaches. Buy CE Test
Screening for Mistreatment of Older Adults Fulmer, Terry Fulmer, Terry Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(12):52-59, December 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Reporting suspected mistreatment is required in most states, but most cases aren't reported. The Elder Assessment Instrument is one way for nurses to screen older adults and can be used in most settings. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
The Impact of Event Scale– Revised: A quick measure of a patient's response to trauma. Hyer, Kathryn; Brown, Lisa M. Hyer, Kathryn; Brown, Lisa M. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(11):60-68, November 2008. Favorite PDF Permissions Free
Screening for Alcohol Use and Misuse in Older Adults: Using the Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test–Geriatric Version. Naegle, Madeline A. Naegle, Madeline A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(11):50-58, November 2008. Favorite PDF Permissions Buy
Wandering in Hospitalized Older Adults: Identifying risk is the first step in this approach to preventing wandering in patients with dementia. Rowe, Meredeth Rowe, Meredeth Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(10):62-70, October 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Reported cases of people with dementia wandering off, even from hospitals, have become increasingly common. It's important that facilities have a system in place for identifying at-risk patients Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Working with Families of Hospitalized Older Adults with Dementia: Caregivers are useful resources and should be part of the care team. Bradway, Christine; Hirschman, Karen B. Bradway, Christine; Hirschman, Karen B. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(10):52-60, October 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: When an older adult with dementia is hospitalized, family caregivers should be considered valuable members of the health care team. This article describes a best-practice approach to doing so. Buy CE Test
Helping Those Who Help Others: The Modified Caregiver Strain Index. Onega, Lisa L. Onega, Lisa L. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(9):62-69, September 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: The Modified Caregiver Strain Index can help a nurse assess the effects that taking care of a loved one can have on the caregiver. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
The Family Preferences Index: Helping family members who want to participate in the care of a hospitalized older adult. Messecar, Deborah; Powers, Bethel Ann; Nagel, Corey L. Messecar, Deborah; Powers, Bethel Ann; Nagel, Corey L. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(9):52-59, September 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: The Family Preferences Index is one approach to helping family members who want to participate in the care of a hospitalized older adult. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
The Hospital Admission Risk Profile: The HARP helps to determine a patient's risk of functional decline. Graf, Carla L. Graf, Carla L. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(8):62-71, August 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: A simple way to classify an older adult's risk of functional decline. Buy CE Test
The Edinburgh Feeding Evaluation in Dementia Scale: Determining how much help people with dementia need at mealtime. Stockdell, Ruth; Amella, Elaine J. Stockdell, Ruth; Amella, Elaine J. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(8):46-54, August 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Certain behaviors—spilling food while eating, for example—can predict a patient's needs and build an effective care plan. Buy CE Test
Pain Assessment in People with Dementia Horgas, Ann; Miller, Lois Horgas, Ann; Miller, Lois Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(7):62-70, July 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: The Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia (PAINAD) scale employs behavioral indicators for use in patients who can't respond to questions. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Assessment of Sexual Health in Older Adults Wallace, Meredith A. Wallace, Meredith A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(7):52-60, July 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Nurses can help patients resolve their concerns about sexuality as they age by using the PLISSIT model. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Using Pain-Rating Scales with Older Adults Flaherty, Ellen Flaherty, Ellen Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(6):40-47, June 2008. Abstract Abstract Favorite PDF Permissions Buy CE Test
Evaluating Sleep Quality in Older Adults: The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index can be used to detect sleep disturbances or deficits. Smyth, Carole A. Smyth, Carole A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(5):42-50, May 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Insomnia and other sleep problems are common among older adults. Use the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index to find out what disturbs patients' sleep. Buy CE Test
Monitoring Functional Status in Hospitalized Older Adults Wallace, Meredith; Shelkey, Mary Wallace, Meredith; Shelkey, Mary Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(4):64-71, April 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Use of the Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living may uncover the first signs of treatable illness. Buy CE Test
The Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale Graf, Carla Graf, Carla Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(4):52-62, April 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: The Lawton scale can help nurses to identify early functional decline and determine home care services. Buy CE Test
Communication Difficulties in Hospitalized Older Adults with Dementia: Try these techniques to make communicating with patients easier and more effective. Miller, Carol A. Miller, Carol A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(3):58-66, March 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Communication barriers can frustrate nurses, patients with dementia, and family members. Smooth the transition between home and hospital with these tips for sharing a clear message and improving your own comprehension of patients' cues. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Avoiding Restraints in Patients with Dementia: Understanding, prevention, and management are the keys. Evans, Lois K.; Cotter, Valerie T. Evans, Lois K.; Cotter, Valerie T. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(3):40-49, March 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: When nurses turn to restraints out of worry that patients with dementia will harm themselves, the situation could get worse. This article reveals the hidden dangers of restraints and explains how to keep patients safe without them. Buy CE Test
How to Try This: The Mini Nutritional Assessment DiMaria-Ghalili, Rose Ann; Guenter, Peggi A. DiMaria-Ghalili, Rose Ann; Guenter, Peggi A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(2):50-59, February 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Malnutrition in older adults often goes undetected—one study found that 50% to 80% were at risk for malnourishment or malnourished. This assessment tool can be used in 15 minutes, and a shorter form is available for screening. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
How to Try This: Preventing Aspiration in Older Adults with Dysphagia Palmer, Janice L.; Metheny, Norma A. Palmer, Janice L.; Metheny, Norma A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(2):40-48, February 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Best practices for the prevention of aspiration in older adults being or fed by hand or tube. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Delirium Superimposed on Dementia Fick, Donna Marie; Mion, Lorraine C. Fick, Donna Marie; Mion, Lorraine C. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(1):52-60, January 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Too often nurses confuse the symptoms of delirium with those of dementia and it goes unrecognized and untreated. This article presents an algorithm to guide nurses in the assessment and treatment of delirium superimposed on dementia. Buy CE Test
Recognition of Dementia in Hospitalized Older Adults Maslow, Katie; Mezey, Mathy Maslow, Katie; Mezey, Mathy Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 108(1):40-49, January 2008. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Many hospital patients with dementia have no recorded dementia diagnosis. In some cases, this is because they have never been diagnosed. This article proposes several approaches that hospital nurses can use to increase recognition of dementia. Buy CE Test
How To Try This: The Mini-Cog Carolan Doerflinger, Deirdre Mary Carolan Doerflinger, Deirdre Mary Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(12):62-71, December 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Dementia is still significantly underrecognized in all settings. This tool, consisting of a three-item recall and a clockdrawing test, takes only minutes to administer, can help clinicians identify this progressive disorder. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
How to Try This: Detecting Delirium Waszynski, Christine M. Waszynski, Christine M. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(12):50-59, December 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Often reversible, delirium can occur at any time during hospitalization, complicating treatment. The Confusion Assessment Method is an easy-to-administer instrument for identifying this acute change in mental status. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Predicting Patient Falls Hendrich, Ann Hendrich, Ann Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(11):50-58, November 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: The author discusses the Hendrich II Fall Risk Model, widely used in determining a hospitalized patient's risk of falling. Buy CE Test
Predicting Pressure Ulcer Risk Stotts, Nancy A.; Gunningberg, Lena Stotts, Nancy A.; Gunningberg, Lena Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(11):40-48, November 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: In administering the Braden Scale for Predicting Pressure Sore Risk, nurses evaluate patients on six subscales: sensory perception, activity, mobility, skin moisture, nutritional intake, and friction and shear. Buy CE Test
How To try this: The Geriatric Depression Scale: Short Form Greenberg, Sherry A. Greenberg, Sherry A. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(10):60-69, October 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: The author examines a 15-question tool for screening for depression in older adults that takes just five to seven minutes to complete. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
How to Try This: Fulmer SPICES Fulmer, Terry Fulmer, Terry Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 107(10):40-48, October 2007. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: This mnemonic device gives nurses a framework by which to assess hospitalized older adults. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
ALZHEIMER DISEASE AND GENETICS: ANTICIPATING THE QUESTIONS Schutte, Debra L. Schutte, Debra L. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(12):40-47, December 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: Along with new evidence of genetic links to Alzheimer disease will come questions from family members interested in undergoing genetic testing. Have answers at the ready. Buy CE Test
Sensory Impairment in Older Adults: Part 2: Vision Loss Whiteside, Meredith M.; Wallhagen, Margaret I.; Pettengill, Elaine Whiteside, Meredith M.; Wallhagen, Margaret I.; Pettengill, Elaine Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(11):52-61, November 2006. Abstract Abstract Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
SENSORY IMPAIRMENT IN OLDER ADULTS: PART 1: HEARING LOSS: Hearing impairment is a significant, often debilitating, problem for many older adults, but assessment and intervention by nurses can help. Wallhagen, Margaret I.; Pettengill, Elaine; Whiteside, Meredith Wallhagen, Margaret I.; Pettengill, Elaine; Whiteside, Meredith Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(10):40-48, October 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Hearing loss can be a fact of aging, but nurses can help older adults minimize the effects of that loss and maintain communication as changes occur. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
FAMILY CAREGIVERS: Caring for older adults, working with their families. Schumacher, Karen; Beck, Claudia A.; Marren, Joan M. Schumacher, Karen; Beck, Claudia A.; Marren, Joan M. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(8):40-49, August 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Thirteenth in a series: A New Look at the Old Creating a partnership with family caregivers can ease their burden; nurses need to know how to identify a patient's primary caregivers, determine the kinds of care they're providing, and discern the level of stress they're under. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Oral Hydration in Older Adults: Greater awareness is needed in preventing, recognizing, and treating dehydration. Mentes, Janet Mentes, Janet Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(6):40-49, June 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Maintaining adequate fluid balance is an essential component of health at every stage of life. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
The Bathing Of Older Adults with Dementia: Easing the unnecessarily unpleasant aspects of assisted bathing. Rader, Joanne; Barrick, Ann Louise; Hoeffer, Beverly; More Rader, Joanne; Barrick, Ann Louise; Hoeffer, Beverly; Sloane, Philip D.; McKenzie, Darlene; Talerico, Karen Amann; Glover, Johanna Uriri Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(4):40-48, April 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: To bathe people against their wishes, the authors contend, without a compelling health reason to do so, constitutes abuse. This article proposes practical approaches for making the experience a more pleasant one for all involved. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Functional Decline in Hospitalized Older Adults: It’s often a consequence of hospitalization, but it doesn’t have to be. Graf, Carla Graf, Carla Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 106(1):58-67, January 2006. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: One recent study found that nearly one-third of hospitalized older adults showed a decline at discharge in the ability to perform activities of daily living. Such decline leads to increased risk of illness and death, often irreversibly diminishing autonomy. But this need not be an inevitable consequence of hospitalization. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Depression & Dispiritedness in Later Life: A ‘gray drizzle of horror’ isn’t inevitable. Butcher, Howard K.; McGonigal-Kenney, Meghan Butcher, Howard K.; McGonigal-Kenney, Meghan Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(12):52-61, December 2005. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: The writer William Styron has described depression as “a despair beyond despair,” and it’s not always recognized in older adults. The authors review the varied characteristics of depression in older patients, discuss its diagnosis and treatment, and present a definition of “dispiritedness.” Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
RN Staffing Time and Outcomes of Long-Stay Nursing Home Residents: Pressure ulcers and other adverse outcomes are less likely as RNs spend more time on direct patient care. Horn, Susan D.; Buerhaus, Peter; Bergstrom, Nancy; More Horn, Susan D.; Buerhaus, Peter; Bergstrom, Nancy; Smout, Randall J. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(11):58-70, November 2005. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: A new study explores the time nurses spent in direct care and how it affected outcomes in long-stay (two weeks or longer) nursing home residents. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
BEHAVIORS ASSOCIATED WITH DEMENTIA: Whether resisting care or exhibiting apathy, an older adult with dementia is attempting communication. Nurses and other caregivers must learn to ‘hear’ this language. Smith, Marianne; Buckwalter, Kathleen Smith, Marianne; Buckwalter, Kathleen Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(7):40-52, July 2005. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Understanding the “behavioral symptoms” of dementia—viewed by nurses as attempts to communicate unmet needs. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
9 MYTHS OF INCONTINENCE IN OLDER ADULTS: Both clinicians and the over-65 set need to know more. Specht, Janet K. Pringle Specht, Janet K. Pringle Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(6):58-68, June 2005. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Misconceptions abound—among both clinicians and the over-65 set. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Nutrition in Older Adults: Intervention and assessment can help curb the growing threat of malnutrition. DiMaria-Ghalili, Rose Ann; Amella, Elaine DiMaria-Ghalili, Rose Ann; Amella, Elaine Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(3):40-50, March 2005. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Even in America, where obesity is on the rise, undernutrition and malnutrition are widespread in adults over the age of 65. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Cognitively Impaired Older Adults: From Hospital To Home: An exploratory study of these patients and their caregivers. Naylor, Mary D.; Stephens, Caroline; Bowles, Kathryn H.; More Naylor, Mary D.; Stephens, Caroline; Bowles, Kathryn H.; Bixby, M. Brian Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 105(2):52-61, February 2005. In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: A report on an exploratory study that determined the extent of cognitive impairment among hospitalized older adults and identified and examined the differences between the needs of these adults and their caregivers. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Communicating for Better Care: Improving nurse–physician communication. Burke, Marina; Boal, Jeremy; Mitchell, Ruth Burke, Marina; Boal, Jeremy; Mitchell, Ruth Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 104(12):40-47, December 2004. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: Effective nurse–physician communication is essential to care, especially for older adults who often have comorbidities that lead to moves between care settings. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
Presentation of Illness in Older Adults: If you think you know what you’re looking for, think again. Amella, Elaine J. Amella, Elaine J. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 104(10):40-51, October 2004. Abstract Abstract In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions Go to Full Text of this Article In Brief: As the body ages, it changes; so does the presentation of many common illness. Differentiating disease from normal aging requires an understanding of the aging process and assessment skills developed for evaluating the older adult. Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
The Challenge to Come: The Care of Older Adults: The senior boom is on its way, and with it comes new demands on clinicians. A new AJN series asks: are nurses ready? Stotts, Nancy A.; Deitrich, Carole E. Stotts, Nancy A.; Deitrich, Carole E. Less AJN, American Journal of Nursing. 104(8):40-47, August 2004. In Brief In Brief Favorite PDF Permissions In Brief: In a plea to U.S. health care providers, the Alliance for Aging Research has urged “good geriatric health care techniques,” but the question remains: are nurses prepared to face the coming senior boom? Go to Full Text of this Article Free CE Test
