Abstract

PASSOS, Joaquim; SEQUEIRA, Carlos  and  FERNANDES, Lia. Nursing focuses in older people with mental disorders. Rev. Enf. Ref. [online]. 2014, vol.serIV, n.2, pp.81-91. ISSN 0874-0283.  https://doi.org/10.12707/RIV14002.

Background: Mental disorders in the elderly are often associated with cognitive losses, and psychological and behavioural symptoms which compromise their quality of life. These manifestations are relevant to Nursing practice. Objective: To identify the most common mental health-related Nursing focuses among older people. Methodology: A sample of 75 users (= 65 years old), with mental illness diagnosed using the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD-9), in a Psychiatry and Mental Health Unit was assessed. The instruments used were: the Mini-Mental State Examination; the Clock-Draw Test; the Geriatric Depression Scale; the Zung Anxiety Scale; the Barthel Index; the Lawton and Brody Index; and the Graffar’s Social Classification. Results: The most common medical diagnoses were depression and dementia. Most users had cognitive impairments, depression, and anxiety, and showed moderate dependence in Basic Activities of Daily Living and some level of dependence in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living. The most common Nursing focuses were memory, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and attention. Conclusion: Cognitive changes, dementia and depression were associated with a higher number of Nursing focuses.

Keywords : psychiatric nursing; nursing focus; nursing diagnosis; mental health; aged; aged, 80 and over.

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