Question

1)The baby boomer generation is aging and requiring more care to maintain health. As a PHN, how would you educate the next generation of nurses in regards to ageism and the risks to their health?

2)As a PHN what action would you take to support the well-being of elder orphans in the community?

3)Write an overview of serotonin syndrome. Highlight pathophysiology and nursing considerations (e.g. safety and patient education).

Answer 1

1. Baby boomers are considered to be born between the year 1940 to 1964. According to studies and surveys, baby boomers are ageing and thus will increase the demand of healthcare. The healthcare members should be prepared to meet this growing demand. While dealing with elderly or geriatic population following points should be kept in mind :

• Geriatric population needs to handled with more care and patience
• Elderly patients are more fragile and prone to illness and infections
• They may not be able to take care of themselves and need 24 hours care
• They may undernourished due to inability to prepare food for themselves
• Elderly patient are prone to mental disorders and need regular checkups
• Healthcare staff should come up with new and immovative ideas to help make the ADLs easier for elderly.

2. As a public health nurse, taking care of elderly orphans is a professional and ethical duty. The PHN can help elderly orphans by helping them find a nursing home or old age home best suited according to their needs. PHN can also help enroll the elderly people in recreational activities so that they feel part of the society. This will also help in eliminsting feelings of loneliness and develop positive behaviour. Assessment of elderly patient is necessary to check if they require 24 hours care and supervision. Providing aids like walking sticks, spectacles and hearing machines accordung to their needs is also necessary so that they can perform their ADLs smoothly.

3. Serotonin syndrome or serotonin toxicity is csused by increased serotonin levels in brain due to serotonergic drugs. The symptoms include agitation, hyper reflexia, high body temperature, tremors, dilated pupils. The symptoms are caused due to overactivity of 5-HT1a receptor and 5-HT2a receptor. Norepinephrine concentrations are also increased in CNS. Treatment include stoping the drug. Benzodiazepine is used in agitated patients. Serotonin antagonist like cyproheptadine may be used. For high body temperatures, cooling methods are used.

Nursing interventions include monitoring the payients vital signs. Monitoring of body temperature is necessary. If body temperature is very high cooling blankets and cold baths can be used. Closely monitoring patients for convulsions, hypotension and coma is required. Keep the patient hydrated.