Lydia Ocampo Case Study Nursing

Introduction

Lydia Ocampo was brought to our clinic day by her husband. Her husband is concerned because Lydia’s mental status is declining. He states that her mental status has been declining over the past few years but now is much worse. Two weeks ago she was released from the hospital. She had been hospitalized with a urinary tract infection and pneumonia. She received intravenous antibiotics and was released. Today a student nurse is precepting with me.

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Assessment findings

• Onset – Two weeks. Since discharge from the hospital, no interest in normal daily actives such as daily walks and going out with friends. Confusion has increased during this period.

• Duration – Several years, worsening in the past two weeks.

• Characteristics

Ocampo’s case in depth. We talk about the symptoms found and the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. The patient appears to be in the middle stage of the disease (Alzheimer’s Association 2016). A mini mental exam is a further test that should be completed on this patient. Patient safety, depression and caregiver strain are other factors that need to be addressed with this patient. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) can be used to assess the patient for depression. (The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing 2012). Mr. Ocampo is the primary care giver and he is under considerable stress. We must provide support for him. According to Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (2012) two tools which can be useful in assessing care giver strain are Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) and the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI).

Nursing diagnosis: Altered thought processes related to neuronal degeneration.

Intervention: Provide appropriate cognitive enhancement techniques and safe social contact (The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing 2012).

Intervention: Monitor effectiveness and side effects of medications given to the patient in order to improve cognitive function or delay the decline (The Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing

The education should include information on any new medications and their possible side effects. Detailed information should also be given about the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and include information about how to best keep the patient safe. Any information provided should be presented verbally and in writing. It would be helpful to provide written information in both English and Mrs. Ocampo’s native language. Mr. Ocampo’s should be provided with support information. This includes information about the Alzheimer’s Association, respite care as well as any other available