Critical care nursing clinics of North America
-
An astounding 30% to 50% of older patients who are hospitalized for a medical condition also have a psychiatric disorder. The intent of this article is to prepare acute care nurses to meet the mental health needs of older adults with a critical illness and prevent untoward sequelae of medical events. The authors discuss the importance of baseline assessment data, issues related to informed consent, manifestations of common psychiatric disorders that may be seen in older adults in the acute care setting, as well as strategies to improve patient outcomes.
-
Several neurologic conditions are commonly seen with elderly adults in the critical care area. This article addresses a common neurologic condition commonly seen in elderly adults: delirium.
-
Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2014
Nursing practice of palliative care with critically ill older adults.
Palliative care is emerging as an alternative care paradigm for critically ill older patients in the critical care setting. Critical care nurses are well positioned to take on a leadership role in reconceptualizing care in the critical care unit, and creating the space and opportunity for palliative care. This article provides information on the practice of palliative care with critically ill older adults along with evidence-based content and resources, allowing critical care nurses to advocate for palliative care in their own work environments accompanied by the necessary resources that will support efficient implementation.
-
Crit Care Nurs Clin North Am · Mar 2014
The epidemiology of acute and critical illness in older adults.
The world and US population continues to increase with an extended lifespan. Disability rates in older adults have not changed, however; they are living longer with disabilities that affect quality of life and complicate acute and critical illness. Because increasing numbers of older adults will live with disabilities and chronic disease, new strategies are needed to improve both quality of life and end-of-life decision making.