Assessment Description 1 Identify a common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors. Outline steps for prevention or health promotion for the patient and family. 4

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Introduction:
As a medical professor, it is crucial to develop medical college assignments that are challenging, informative and gives students a comprehensive understanding of various medical issues. In this context, this assignment aims to cover two critical topics that form the foundation of medical education. The first issue deals with common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issues. The second issue covers the impact of stroke on patients and their families, including the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs.

1. Identify a common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issue and discuss contributing factors. Outline steps for prevention or health promotion for the patient and family. 400 words

One of the most common perceptual, neurological, or cognitive issues is Alzheimer’s disease. It is a progressive neurological disorder that causes the destruction of brain cells, leading to memory problems, impaired judgment, and behavior changes. The primary contributor to Alzheimer’s disease is age, and individuals over the age of 65 are at a higher risk. Other factors include genetics, head injuries, and lifestyle choices.

Prevention or health promotion is crucial for individuals and their families to avoid the onset of Alzheimer’s disease. Firstly, eating a healthy, balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Secondly, regular exercise, such as walking or swimming, can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, which can lead to brain damage. Thirdly, controlling high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels are essential to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. Finally, staying mentally active, such as reading, engaging in social activities, and learning new things, can help keep the brain active and healthy.

2. Discuss characteristic findings for a stroke and how it affects the lives of patients and their families. Discuss the nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs. Provide an example integrating concepts from the “Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” located in Class Resources. 400 words

A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or blocked, leading to brain damage. Characteristic findings of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding, sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes, sudden severe headache with no known cause, and difficulty walking or maintaining balance.

Strokes can affect patients and their families in many ways, including physical impairment, depression, and social isolation. The nurse’s role in supporting the patient’s psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs is essential. Firstly, the nurse should provide emotional support to the patient and their family during this challenging time. Secondly, educating the patient and family about the effects of stroke and what to expect during recovery can help them cope with the situation better. Finally, the nurse should work with the patient and family to develop a care plan that addresses their individual needs and preferences.

An example integrating concepts from the “Statement on the Integration of Faith and Work” located in Class Resources is a nurse providing spiritual care to a patient during recovery. The nurse can encourage the patient to draw comfort from their faith, offer prayer or meditation, and provide referrals to chaplains or other religious leaders. By integrating faith and work, the nurse can support the patient’s spiritual needs while providing quality medical care.