Hello
I need to post 6 comments to my peers. Responses to peers or faculty should be 150 min words and include one reference and citation. All sources are to be from 2019-2023
Comment 1:
Postpartum Depression is a cognitive issue identified as a mood disorder in mother’s during the postpartum period. Postpartum depression can happen within the fist year after delivering a baby and requires both medical and psychological therapy. Symptoms of Postpartum depression include frequent bouts of crying, fatigue, guilt, anxiety and both high and low emotions (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Although Postpartum depression can not be prevented, there are ways to manage the symptoms of depression and alleviate the stress associated with having a new baby. Lifestyle factors including rest, exercise and help from family and friend are a few of the ways mothers can promote their mental health. Unfortunately, postpartum depression is common. Roughly 15% of mothers will develop postpartum depression (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS) is used to gain a better understanding of the mother’s mental state during the postpartum period (AAP, 2022). This scale paints a picture of the patients postpartum state, with this information, a treatment plan is formed. Many patients either hide their symptoms or do not seek help because of the negative stigma surrounding postpartum depression. It is important that we provide postpartum mothers with the resources necessary to identify symptoms of postpartum depression and encourage them to seek treatment.
Comment 2:
Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease affect perceptual, neurological, or cognitive functions. Dementia is a non-age-related decline in cognitive abilities caused by damage to the cerebral hemispheres and subcortical areas for memory and learning. The damage is caused by direct trauma, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, or similar permanent conditions (Falkner, p 46). Alzheimer’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects the brain, causing memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. The disease is thought to be caused by the accumulation of beta-amyloid plaques and tau protein tangles in the brain, leading to the destruction of nerve cells and disruption of communication. As research shows, Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of all dementia cases (Sara, 2023). Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease have seriously affected patients’ daily lives. Therefore, early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia is critical. For example, the most common sign of Alzheimer’s Disease in the early stage is memory loss, which affects daily life. Patients may have trouble with simple things they did before, have difficulty driving to a familiar location, have confusion with time, lose track of dates, etc. Identifying the early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s can play an active role in the care and treatment of someone with Alzheimer’s. Regular physical activity, a healthy diet, engaging in social activity, and developing hobbies may help slow cognitive decline.
In addition, many public health departments and local resources can help patients and their families with support. Organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association are always there for patients and their families, with a 24/7 helpline at 800.272.3900 to receive reliable information, advice, and support.
Comment 3:
A Stroke, or Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) can be one of two types: Hemorrhagic stroke, or Ischemic stroke. The hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a ruptured blood vessel, and the ischemic stroke is caused by a thrombus, or blockage of a blood vessel. A transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) happens when blood flow is temporarily interrupted. Symptoms of a stroke can include numbness or weakness in the extremities particularly on one side of the body, facial droop, difficulty speaking, partial blindness, loss of balance or coordination, and severe headache. The Center for disease Control and Prevention states that 80% of CVAs are preventable (Faulkner & Green, 2022). One can prevent stroke by understanding risk factors that predispose one to it. Smoking, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, a diet high in fat, and high blood pressure all put a person at risk for a stroke. Prevention involves eating healthy, exercising, controlling your weight, lowering blood pressure, limiting alcohol and not smoking (CDC, n. d.). Resources in our area include South Big Horn Senior Citizen’s Center, Greybull, Wyoming and Three River’s Health in Basin. The Senior Center offers educational brochures, low cost healthy meals, help with housing and utilities, and staff that will assist you with other needs. Three Rivers Health in Basin is a hospital with a clinic attached. They offer same day service as well as a visiting nurse program in which one can get health checks a couple of times a week.
Comment 4:
When thinking of stroke patients’ pediatric patients are not what is commonly thought of. While strokes in children is not common it does happen. According to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (n.d.) “pediatric stroke affects 25 in 100,000 newborns and 12 in 100,000 children under 18 years of age. Stroke is the sixth leading cause of death in children, (para. 2).
There are some risks factors to take into account for pediatric patients. These include all newborns, children who have conditions such as sickle cell anemia, blood clotting issues, disorders of the immune system or blood clotting issues, and some children who have been healthy but then had clotting or narrowed blood vessels (Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, n.d.).
Comment 5:
Strokes leave a deep impact on those who fall prey to them. Weakness, difficulty speaking, loss of balance and cognitive impairments are all evidences of a stroke (Faulkner & Green, 2022). The patient and their family may never return to normal. Left or right sided weakness can mean that the patient needs to walk with a walker or needs assistance with activities of daily living. Family and spouses may turn into care givers which alters their life as well. Hemorrhagic strokes can be deadly. Sometimes the victim is so helpless that they need to be admitted to a nursing home. Nursing homes are expensive and may deplete the patient of all their life’s savings. The nurse is an important part of the care team and starts planning for care of the patient from admission to dismissal as well as how they will cope at home.
Psychological, emotional, and spiritual care is important for stroke victims. Not receiving holistic care can negatively impact their physical recovery. Loss of independence often means that social life is not the same as before, and depression can result from the grief that stroke victims experience. These people may need have an appointment with a mental health counselor. They may just need to talk about the changes or learn how to think positive and promote mental wellness. Mindfulness and music therapy are helpful as well (Flint Rehab Staff, 2023). Ask the patient if they have a pastor or other spiritual resource that they would like to visit with. They may want to connect with their church group to get support during this difficult time.
Comment 6:
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident, is a serious medical condition that occurs when there is a disruption of blood flow to the brain, leading to cell death and subsequent neurological deficits. The characteristic findings of a stroke can vary depending on the location and severity of the brain injury, but common symptoms include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg; difficulty speaking or understanding speech; vision changes; difficulty walking or balance; and sudden, severe headache. (Tadi, 2024).
Strokes can have a profound impact on the lives of patients and their families, often leading to physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Patients may experience lasting impairments, such as paralysis, speech difficulties, and cognitive deficits, which can impact their independence and ability to perform daily activities. The emotional toll of a stroke can also be significant, with many patients experiencing depression, anxiety, and decreased quality of life. (Tadi, 2024).
Nurses play a critical role in supporting the psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs of stroke patients and their families. This can include providing education on the condition and treatment options, assisting with symptom management, and offering emotional support and counseling. Nurses can also help patients and their families to access resources and support services, such as rehabilitation, home health care, and community-based services. (Kavga et al., 2021).
