NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

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NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium – Step-by-Step Guide

The first step before starting to write the NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium is to understand the requirements of the assignment. The first step is to read the assignment prompt carefully to identify the topic, the length and format requirements. You should go through the rubric provided so that you can understand what is needed to score the maximum points for each part of the assignment. 

It is also important to identify the paper’s audience and purpose, as this will help you determine the tone and style to use throughout. You can then create a timeline to help you complete each stage of the paper, such as conducting research, writing the paper, and revising it to avoid last-minute stress before the deadline. After identifying the formatting style to be applied to the paper, such as APA, review its use, including writing citations and referencing the resources used. You should also review the formatting requirements for the title page and headings in the paper, as outlined by Chamberlain University.

How to Research and Prepare for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

The next step in preparing for your paper is to conduct research and identify the best sources to use to support your arguments. Identify a list of keywords related to your topic using various combinations. The first step is to visit the Chamberlain University library and search through its database using the important keywords related to your topic. You can also find books, peer-reviewed articles, and credible sources for your topic from the Chamberlain University Library, PubMed, JSTOR, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. Ensure that you select the references that have been published in the last 5 years and go through each to check for credibility. Ensure that you obtain the references in the required format, such as APA, so that you can save time when creating the final reference list. 

You can also group the references according to their themes that align with the outline of the paper. Go through each reference for its content and summarize the key concepts, arguments and findings for each source. You can write down your reflections on how each reference connects to the topic you are researching. After the above steps, you can develop a strong thesis that is clear, concise and arguable. Next, create a detailed outline of the paper to help you develop headings and subheadings for the content. Ensure that you plan what point will go into each paragraph.

How to Write the Introduction for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

The introduction of the paper is the most crucial part, as it helps provide the context of your work and determines whether the reader will be interested in reading through to the end. Begin with a hook, which will help capture the reader’s attention. You should contextualize the topic by offering the reader a concise overview of the topic you are writing about so that they may understand its importance. You should state what you aim to achieve with the paper. The last part of the introduction should be your thesis statement, which provides the main argument of the paper.

How to Write the Body for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

The body of the paper helps you to present your arguments and evidence to support your claims. You can use headings and subheadings developed in the paper’s outline to guide you on how to organize the body. Start each paragraph with a topic sentence to help the reader know what point you will be discussing in that paragraph. Support your claims using the evidence collected from the research, and ensure that you cite each source properly using in-text citations. You should analyze the evidence presented and explain its significance, as well as how it relates to the thesis statement. You should maintain a logical flow between paragraphs by using transition words and a flow of ideas.

How to Write the In-text Citations for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

In-text citations help readers give credit to the authors of the references they have used in their work. All ideas that have been borrowed from references, any statistics and direct quotes must be referenced properly. The name and date of publication of the paper should be included when writing an in-text citation. For example, in APA, after stating the information, you can put an in-text citation after the end of the sentence, such as (Smith, 2021). If you are quoting directly from a source, include the page number in the citation, for example (Smith, 2021, p. 15). Remember to also include a corresponding reference list at the end of your paper that provides full details of each source cited in your text. An example paragraph highlighting the use of in-text citations is as below:

“The integration of technology in nursing practice has significantly transformed patient care and improved health outcomes. According to Morelli et al. (2024), the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has streamlined communication among healthcare providers, allowing for more coordinated and efficient care delivery. Furthermore, Alawiye (2024) highlights that telehealth services have expanded access to care, particularly for patients in rural areas, thereby reducing barriers to treatment.”

How to Write the Conclusion for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

When writing the conclusion of the paper, start by restating your thesis, which helps remind the reader what your paper is about. Summarize the key points of the paper by restating them. Discuss the implications of your findings and your arguments. Conclude with a call to action that leaves a lasting impression on the reader or offers recommendations.

How to Format the Reference List for NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium

The reference helps provide the reader with the complete details of the sources you cited in the paper. The reference list should start with the title “References” on a new page. It should be aligned center and bolded. The references should be organized in an ascending order alphabetically, and each should have a hanging indent. If a source has no author, it should be alphabetized by the title of the work, ignoring any initial articles such as “A,” “An,” or “The.” If you have multiple works by the same author, list them in chronological order, starting with the earliest publication. 

Each reference entry should include specific elements depending on the type of source. For books, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the book in italics, the edition (if applicable), and the publisher’s name. For journal articles, include the author’s last name, first initial, publication year in parentheses, the title of the article (not italicized), the title of the journal in italics, the volume number in italics, the issue number in parentheses (if applicable), and the page range of the article. For online sources, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or the URL at the end of the reference. An example reference list is as follows:

References

Morelli, S., Daniele, C., D’Avenio, G., Grigioni, M., & Giansanti, D. (2024). Optimizing telehealth: Leveraging Key Performance Indicators for enhanced telehealth and digital healthcare outcomes (Telemechron Study). Healthcare, 12(13), 1319. https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare12131319

Alawiye, T. (2024). The impact of digital technology on healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. E-Health Telecommunication Systems and Networks, 13, 13-22. 10.4236/etsn.2024.132002.

NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium Instructions

SUBJECT: Dementia vs Delirium

Address each of the following components using your own words: 

  1. Presentation: Demographics, onset of symptoms, history of present illness, associated risk factors. NR603 Week 2 Assignment: Bipolar II Disorder Management Plan and Analysis.   
  2. Pathophysiology: Similarities and differences in pathophysiology 
  3. Assessment: Physical assessment techniques, appropriate diagnostic testing 
  4. Diagnosis: Additional differential diagnoses to consider, positive findings for each diagnosis 
  5. Management: Similarities and differences in pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments, client education, referral, and follow-up care

Scholarly Source Parameters for this program:

• Peer-reviewed – How do I find peer-reviewed articles?

• Journal Article requirements:

o Applicable to the population under discussion.

o Published within the last 5 years.

• Current Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG)- Finding Clinical Practice Guidelines – may be older than 5

years, depending on the last review.

• Intended for clinicians (Nurse Practitioners, Physicians, Physician’s Assistants)

• Directly related to the situation that you are researching (Ex: Sources for treatment of strep pharyngitis

in cancer patients should not be used as rationale for treatment decisions if your patient does not have

cancer)

• Studies should be based on human research.

NR603 Week 2 Discussion Dementia vs Delirium Example

Dementia Versus Delirium

Dementia and delirium are both neurocognitive disorders with distinct differences in their presentation, pathophysiology, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. Comprehending these disparities is essential for timely and accurate diagnosis and effective management. Drawing upon scholarly sources such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), this paper includes an analysis and comparison of dementia and delirium based on demographics, onset of symptoms, associated risk factors, pathophysiology, methods of assessment, diagnostic testing, differential diagnoses, and management approaches.

Presentation: Demographics, Onset of symptoms, History of Presenting Illness, Associated Risk Factors

Dementia primarily impacts elderly individuals, with increasing prevalence in advanced age. Dementia symptoms usually appear gradually, including a decline in cognitive capacity, memory loss, executive dysfunction, and reduced autonomy in performing activities of daily living (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). Non-modifiable risk factors for dementia encompass age and genetics, whereas modifiable risk factors include cardiovascular disease, physical inactivity, and smoking. New data suggest that inflammatory or infectious disorders such as syphilis, HIV, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy may contribute to the development of dementia (Sterling et al., 2022). This association has been linked to the detection of various inflammatory and infectious markers among patients with dementia.

In contrast, delirium often presents acutely, with fluctuation of symptoms throughout the day. The hallmark symptom of delirium is the fluctuating level of attention and awareness (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). It is frequently seen in older adults but can also manifest in younger individuals with preexisting medical issues. Characteristic presentation includes acute confusion, disordered thinking, altered level of consciousness, and psychotic features, including hallucinations and delusions (American Psychiatric Association, 2020). Risk factors include infections, endocrine problems, electrolyte imbalances, substance addiction, cardiovascular disorders, central nervous system disorders such as brain trauma and epilepsy, uremia, and certain medications like anticonvulsants.

Pathophysiology

Understanding the nature of these two conditions is important for comprehending their pathophysiology. Dementia involves a progressive neurodegenerative process marked by the buildup of abnormal proteins like beta-amyloid and tau in the brain, resulting in neuronal loss and dysfunction (Petersen et al., 2022). Changes in neurotransmitter systems, specifically glutamate and acetylcholine, are linked to cognitive decline and behavioral symptoms.

Delirium, on the other hand, is distinguished by the sudden impairment of brain function caused by systemic factors like metabolic imbalances, infections, medications, or surgery. Neuroinflammation, imbalances in neurotransmitters and disruption of neuronal networks are significant contributors to the pathophysiology of delirium (Wilson et al., 2020). Unlike dementia, delirium can often be reversed when the root cause is addressed.

Assessment: Physical Assessment Techniques and Appropriate Diagnostic Testing

Physical assessment methods for dementia involve a comprehensive neurological evaluation, cognitive screening assessment tools such as the Mini-Mental State Examination, and analysis of activities of daily living. Neuroimaging studies such as MRI or CT scans may reveal structural brain changes indicative of dementia.

Laboratory tests that may be necessary for all patients suspected of having dementia include assessing Vitamin B12 levels to check for deficiency, screening for hypothyroidism with thyroid stimulating hormone, checking the patient’s hemoglobin by doing a complete blood count, a comprehensive metabolic profile to assess kidney disease, liver disease, and hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and ruling out urinary tract infection through urinalysis (Arvanitakis et al., 2019). While the diagnostic testing outcomes might not uncover any underlying condition, it is vital to highlight the value of the DSM-5 diagnostic tool in diagnosing dementia.

In contrast, assessing delirium involves recognizing sudden changes in mental status, such as alterations in cognition, attention, and level of consciousness. The Confusion Assessment Method (CAM) or DSM-5 criteria are commonly utilized for diagnosis. Diagnostic testing aims to pinpoint the root cause of delirium through procedures like laboratory tests, imaging studies, and other targeted investigations guided by clinical suspicion. Routine laboratory tests recommended for patients suspected to have delirium include CBC, serum glucose, electrolytes, urinalysis, urea and creatinine levels, magnesium, and liver function tests.

Diagnosis: Differential Diagnoses, and Positive Findings for each Diagnosis

Potential alternative diagnoses for dementia are delirium, depression, normal aging, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. Key indicators of dementia are gradual cognitive deterioration, memory loss, and decreased ability to perform daily tasks, as validated by neuropsychological assessments and neuroimaging scans. On the other hand, potential differential diagnoses to consider for delirium include metabolic encephalopathy, withdrawal syndromes, acute intoxication, and infections such as meningitis, and encephalitis. The positive findings include acute onset of confusion with a fluctuating course, altered mental state, and disorganized thinking as assessed by the Confusion Assessment Method or DSM-5 criteria.

Management: Similarities and Differences in Pharmacologic and Non-Pharmacologic Treatments, Client Education, Referral, and Follow-up Care

Management of dementia necessitates both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic approaches aimed at enhancing cognitive function, addressing behavioral symptoms, and offering support to caregivers. Pharmacologic interventions consist of cholinesterase inhibitors such as Donepezil and NMDA-receptor antagonists like memantine, which may contribute to stabilizing cognitive decline (Arvanitakis et al., 2019). Non-pharmacologic strategies involve cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, as well as caregiver education and support.

In contrast, the management of delirium focuses on pinpointing and addressing the root cause, discontinuing precipitating medications, and providing supportive care. Pharmacologic interventions may involve antipsychotics for hallucinations or severe agitation, but their administration should be restricted because of possible harmful effects, particularly in elderly individuals. Non-pharmacologic methods consist of reorientation, addressing sensory impairments and environmental modifications.

Conclusion

Dementia and delirium are separate neurocognitive illnesses with discrete characteristics in terms of presentation, pathogenesis, assessment methodologies, diagnostic criteria, and therapeutic approaches. Dementia involves gradual cognitive deterioration and neurodegenerative alterations, while delirium presents as sudden confusion and temporary cerebral malfunction. Accurate diagnosis and appropriate management approaches are essential for improving outcomes in patients affected by these illnesses.

References

American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5). Lulu.com. https://www.lulu.com/shop/american-psychiatric-association/diagnostic-and-statistical-manual-of-mental-disorders-fifth-edition-text-revision-dsm-5-trtm/ebook/product-95m8z6p.html?srsltid=AfmBOor3lJ6lpFXlNyF2eF9k8d3xaosX-2Nuo8elEEtqeOOI4L7vspOP&page=1&pageSize=4

Arvanitakis, Z., Shah, R. C., & Bennett, D. A. (2019). Diagnosis and management of dementia: Review. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 322(16), 1589. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2019.4782

Petersen, R. C., Graf, A., Carrillo, M. C., & Weber, C. J. (2022). Current understanding of AD pathophysiology and impact of amyloid beta-targeted treatments on biomarkers and clinical endpoints. Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, 18(8), 1586. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12769

Sterling, K., Xing, M., & Song, W. (2022). Do systemic infections contribute to the pathogenesis of dementia? Neuroscience Bulletin, 38(3), 331–333. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12264-021-00802-9

Wilson, J. E., Mart, M. F., Cunningham, C., Shehabi, Y., Girard, T. D., MacLullich, A. M. J., Slooter, A. J. C., & Ely, E. W. (2020). Delirium. Nature Reviews. Disease Primers, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-020-00223-4