Student Nurse Objectives in Caring for the Aged

Regardless of their ultimate career track, student nurses will be required to care for the elderly often. The aged demand special care and consideration due to physical, emotional and mental conditions. Sensitivity training to these conditions helps student nurses be better able to care for the aged. When properly trained, student nurses provide a vital role in caring for the health of the elderly.

Monitoring Medication

• Most seniors take a variety of medications and supplements to help prevent diseases and conditions common to the aged. Medications that lower blood pressure, strengthen bones, treat diabetes and prevent mental-health issues are commonly taking by the elderly. Additionally, the elderly often take several vitamin supplements for general health as recommended by a doctor. While doctors should prevent negative drug interactions, student nurses should monitor dangerous side effects and guarantee that elderly patients are taking their medications as prescribed.

Mental Health

• Seniors are subject to a variety of mental-health issues that student nurses should be aware of. In addition to common mental-health diseases of the aged, including dementia and psychosis, the elderly are also prone to depression. Treating depression in older adults is difficult, as antidepressants can interfere with other medications they might be taking. An objective of student nurses in caring for the aged should be monitoring the mental-health issues and taking precautions to prevent suicide and other dangerous behavior associated with psychosis, Alzheimer's and dementia.

Nutrition

• The elderly often suffer from malnutrition and dehydration due to causes such as an inability to cook for themselves, depression or other mental-health issues and a lack of appetite from a sedentary lifestyle. Additionally, the elderly require special diets to keep them healthy and keep their energy level up. Student nurses should focus on providing adequate nutrition to seniors that includes a varied diet of foods low in cholesterol and saturated fats, which can exacerbate heart disease, a common problem for the aged. Additionally, student nurses should focus on providing elderly women with enough calcium to prevent osteoporosis.

Exercise

• Because of low energy levels or injuries, the elderly often have a difficult time getting enough exercise. Lack of exercise can lead to a further weakening of the muscles, putting fragile bones already at risk. Additionally, a lack of exercise can cause depression and decrease the appetite of the elderly, which can prevent them getting the nutrition they need. Student nurses should focus on encouraging the elderly to get gentle exercise while hospitalized or in a nursing home, regardless of their physical capacity. Slow walks, water aerobics and stretching can all help maintain muscle mass and increase the appetite of the elderly.