J Gerontol Nurs
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Delirium remains a significant risk for hospitalized older adults and has been shown to be a persistent risk posthospitalization as well. Dementia is a risk factor for delirium. ⋯ Individuals with DSD have been found to have accelerated decline in cognitive and functional abilities, greater need for institutionalization, greater rehospitalization risk, and increased mortality. The purpose of this article is to define and describe DSD, outline assessment tools for its identification, and provide appropriate nursing interventions.
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This article seeks to educate health care providers in understanding the need for immunization of older adults with the new herpes zoster vaccine, Zostavax(®). Herpes zoster (shingles) is a painful and disabling condition that can result in significant morbidity, loss of productivity, and decrease in quality of life. ⋯ Anyone who has had chickenpox can get shingles. Evidence found in the literature demonstrates that the vaccine prevents shingles in approximately half of adults 60 and older.
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Facilitating students' knowledge and ability to care for critically ill older adults is a daunting task for even the most experienced teacher. Faculty, preceptors, and mentors must address the seemingly dichotomous objectives of training practitioners capable of providing safe, technologically advanced care intended to restore hemodynamic stability tempered by the simultaneous goal of providing person-centered, culturally competent, age-appropriate interventions. This article provides specific approaches to prepare baccalaureate nursing students for some of the challenges experienced when caring for critically ill older adults, including teaching strategies, clinical competency behaviors/activities, and postconference topics. By creating a safe environment for asking questions, sharing their expertise and experiences, and adequately addressing individual learning styles, teachers can begin to instill the passion, commitment, and knowledge needed to care for this vulnerable population.