Essentials of Gerontological Nursing

Essentials of Gerontological Nursing presents the best practices needed to care for older adults. Its brief, yet comprehensive, grasp of issues in elder care is a refreshing addition to the current literature, which is more commonly focused on theory than on clinical practice. Designed primarily for students in gerontological nursing courses in BSN and graduate programs, the book provides:

• Essential clinical information and "best practices" needed to care for older adults
• Current research and new patient approaches in gerontological nursing
• Overviews of rarely discussed issues, such as elder abuse, cultural considerations, and restraint alternatives
• Clinical specifications and practical applications
• Content designed to fit into a one-semester course

Preface
Acknowledgments

1. The Graying of America

Issues of Aging
Medical Concerns
Ageism - Facts and Myths of Aging
Ethnogeriatrics and Health Care
Gerontological Nursing
Theories of Aging
Summary

2. The Health Care Delivery System

Retirement
Challenges Within the Current Health Care Delivery System
Financing Health Care
Payment Options for Older Adults Without Resources for Health Care
Resources for Health Care
Summary

3. Normal Changes of Aging

Cardiovascular System
Respiratory System
Integumentary System
Gastrointestinal System
Urinary System
Musculoskeletal System
Sexuality/Reproductive System
Changes in the Senses
Neurological Changes
Summary

4. Assessing Older Adults

Systematic Geriatric Assessment
Health History
Reminiscence & Life Review
Physical Assessment
Critical components of a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment
Summary

5. Health Promotion

Primary Prevention
Secondary Prevention
Summary

6. Pathological Disease Processes in Older Adults

Musculoskeletal Disorders
Cardiovascular & Respiratory Disorders
Diabetes Mellitus
Infectious Diseases
Cancer
Parkinson's Disease
Summary

7. Medication Usage

Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Medication Interactions
Generic Medications
Inappropriate Medications
Medication Adherence
Over-the-Counter and Illegally-Obtained Narcotics and Herbal Medications
Summary

8. Cognitive and Psychological Issues in Aging

Delirium
Depression
Dementia
Summary

9. Ethical Issues of Aging and Independence

Ethical Principles
Driving
Sexuality in Older Adults
Gambling
Summary

10. Quality of Life Issues Among Older Adults

Quality of Life (QOL)
Elder Mistreatment
Pain
Grandparenting
Spirituality
Summary

11. Environments of Care

Home Care
Acute Care
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Assisted Living
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Homeless Older Adults
Summary

12. End-of-Life Care

Advance Directives
Financial Planning for End of Life
Dimensions of End-of-Life Care
Communication
Grieving
Widowhood
Hospice Care
Summary

13. Future Trends & Needs

America Continues to Gray
Changes in the Health Care Delivery System
Ethical, Legal, and Financial Issues Related to Older Adults
Normal Changes of Aging
Wellness, Health Promotion, and Health Education
Medication Management
Geriatric Assessment
Advances in Acute and Chronic Disease Management
Special Issues of Aging
Psychological and Cognitive Issues in Aging
Environments of Care
Spirituality and End-of-Life Care
Conclusion
Web Resources