Depressants Rapid development of tolerance and dependence Commonly used with alcohol Commonly types used: Sedative-hypnotics Barbiturates Benzodiazepines Barbiturate-like drugs Depress CNS Tolerance develops to drug’s

Stimulants Highly addictive Increase cardiac activity Excite CNS by increasing neurotransmitters Norepinephrine Serotonin Dopamine Toxicity Sympathetic overdrive Can be fatal No antidote Emergency management is

Alcohol Withdrawal Delirium Serious complication Can occur 2-3 days after the last drink Lasts 2-3 days Risk increases with greater alcohol dependence Manifestation Interprofessional Care

Manifestations Interprofessional Care Agitation Anxiety Increased Heart rate Increased BP Sweating Nausea Tremors Insomnia Hyperactivity Benzodiazepines e.g. lorazepam (Ativan) or midazolam (Versed) to prevent seizures

  Effects of aging Drug-receptor interaction Brain receptors become more sensitive, making psychoactive drugs very potent. Metabolism Liver mass shrinks. Hepatic blood flow and enzyme

Nursing management Nurses play a critical role Conducting a comprehensive history and physical assessment Participating in plan of care Teaching patient and caregiver Symptom management

Chronic illness and Older Adults Older Adults Aging population Surviving acute illness Living with chronic illness Becoming more educated and resourceful More ethnically diverse Demographics

Process of patient teaching Assessment of learning needs involves 4 main areas: Physical factors What is the patient’s age? Is the patient acutely ill? Is

Teaching-Learning Process Nurse as Teacher Required competencies Knowledge of subject matter Communication skills Teaching and caregivers has many challenges, including; Lack of time – Can

Patient and Caregiver Teaching Role of Patient and Caregiver teaching General goals for patient teaching include Health promotion Disease prevention Illness management Selection and use

Outline for physical examination General survey Observe general state of health Vital signs Record vital signs such as: Blood pressure Pulse rate (apical/radial pulse) Respiration

Types of Assessment Emergency assessment Limited to assessing life-threatening conditions (e.g., inhalation, injuries, anaphylaxis, myocardial infarction, shock, stroke) This involves a rapid history and examination