• What other pertinent medical information would you want to ask Edith?
I would like to find out more about when Edith was diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol, what medications or vitamins she takes, if she has a past surgical history and what her diet consists of (due to the fact that she presents with a 20lb weight loss). In addition, due to the daughter’s report of her mother’s worsening depression and worsening memory loss, I would be interested to know how involved her daughter is with her care. I would ask if she assists with medication administration and find out whether or not Edith has been taking her anti-depressant medication, and also ask if she is involved with meal prep or grocery buying. Dementia may lead to social …show more content…
Brain imaging may include: MRI or CT which will help to reveal tumors, strokes, or trauma (Alzheimer's Association, 2018). In addition, since the goal is to establish why the patient is confused and identify any contributing factors, an electrocardiogram may be considered, “along with blood, urine, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and radiologic studies” (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 545). Basic laboratory testing that should be collected includes a CBC, BMP, and urine sample with culture to rule out a urinary tract infection and/or electrolyte abnormality (Alzheimer's Association, …show more content…
In fact, “The risk for developing AD doubles in individuals who have an affected first-degree relative” (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 178). Interestingly, in this case study, Edith’s mother suffered from Alzheimer's disease herself. In addition, Edith is also at an increased risk due to her female gender (Alzheimer's Association, 2018).
• Based on assessment and complaints, what diagnosis (stage) do you suspect for this patient?
Based on Edith’s assessment and complaints, Edith likely falls somewhere between early to middle stage Alzheimer’s disease due to the fact that she presents with worsening memory loss, agitation, difficulty sleeping, worsening depression, weight loss, and requires assistance with transportation due to visuospatial and executive delays (McCance & Huether, 2014). Furthermore, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (2018), Edith may be diagnosed with Stage 4 Mild Alzheimer’s disease.
• What treatment and/or education would you provide for
I would like to find out more about when Edith was diagnosed with hypertension and high cholesterol, what medications or vitamins she takes, if she has a past surgical history and what her diet consists of (due to the fact that she presents with a 20lb weight loss). In addition, due to the daughter’s report of her mother’s worsening depression and worsening memory loss, I would be interested to know how involved her daughter is with her care. I would ask if she assists with medication administration and find out whether or not Edith has been taking her anti-depressant medication, and also ask if she is involved with meal prep or grocery buying. Dementia may lead to social …show more content…
Brain imaging may include: MRI or CT which will help to reveal tumors, strokes, or trauma (Alzheimer's Association, 2018). In addition, since the goal is to establish why the patient is confused and identify any contributing factors, an electrocardiogram may be considered, “along with blood, urine, cerebral spinal fluid (CSF), and radiologic studies” (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 545). Basic laboratory testing that should be collected includes a CBC, BMP, and urine sample with culture to rule out a urinary tract infection and/or electrolyte abnormality (Alzheimer's Association, …show more content…
In fact, “The risk for developing AD doubles in individuals who have an affected first-degree relative” (McCance & Huether, 2014, p. 178). Interestingly, in this case study, Edith’s mother suffered from Alzheimer's disease herself. In addition, Edith is also at an increased risk due to her female gender (Alzheimer's Association, 2018).
• Based on assessment and complaints, what diagnosis (stage) do you suspect for this patient?
Based on Edith’s assessment and complaints, Edith likely falls somewhere between early to middle stage Alzheimer’s disease due to the fact that she presents with worsening memory loss, agitation, difficulty sleeping, worsening depression, weight loss, and requires assistance with transportation due to visuospatial and executive delays (McCance & Huether, 2014). Furthermore, according to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation (2018), Edith may be diagnosed with Stage 4 Mild Alzheimer’s disease.
• What treatment and/or education would you provide for