NURSING TOOL BOX SERIES

EPILEPSY PATHOPHYSIOLOGY   Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by recurrent, unprovoked seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. The pathophysiology of epilepsy involves various mechanisms at the cellular, molecular, and network levels in the brain. 1. Abnormal Neuronal Activity Hyperexcitability: Neurons in the brain become overly responsive to stimuli, leading to excessive firing. This hyperexcitability can result from alterations in ion channels (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium) that control the flow of electrical currents across the neuronal membrane. Hypersynchrony: During a seizure, groups of neurons fire simultaneously, a state known as hypersynchrony. This synchronized activity is abnormal and can spread across the brain, leading to various types of seizures. 2. Genetic Factors Inherited Mutations: Certain forms of epilepsy are linked to genetic mutations that affect ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, or other proteins crit

 MONKEY POX Monkeypox is a viral zoonotic disease, meaning it can spread from animals to humans. It is caused by the monkeypox virus, which belongs to the same family of viruses as the variola virus, the virus that causes smallpox. While monkeypox symptoms are similar to smallpox, they are generally milder, and monkeypox is less contagious. 1. Causes and Transmission Virus: Monkeypox is caused by the monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family. Transmission: Animal-to-Human: The virus is transmitted to humans through direct contact with blood, bodily fluids, or skin lesions of infected animals. In Africa, cases have been documented through handling monkeys, Gambian giant rats, and squirrels. Human-to-Human: Transmission occurs through respiratory droplets during prolonged face-to-face contact, direct contact with bodily fluids, or contact with contaminated materials such as bedding or clothing. 2. Symptoms of Monkeypox Incubation Period: Usually 6-

  DEMENTIA CASE STUDY 2. Mr. Moses Nkamba is a 80 year old man. During the past four years, Mr. Nkamba has demonstrated gradual, progressing memory impairment. The family members found themselves close to physical exhaustion. He is brought to the hospital with history of increased incontinence when he cannot find the toilet and wonders away from home constantly. a) Outline five (5) causes of Dementia 15% b) Outline five (5) symptoms of Dementia other than the ones mentioned above. 15% c) Explain four (4) points in the nursing assessment that will be vital in planning the nursing care of Mr. Nkamba 20% d) Describe the nursing care interventions that would be appropriate in meeting Mr. Nkamba needs 50% a) Causes of Dementia (15%) Alzheimer’s Disease: The most common cause of dementia, Alzheimer's disease is a progressive neurological disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and personality changes due to the death of brain cells and the accumulation of amyloid plaques a

  NURSING PROCESS & MENTAL HEALTH CONDITIONS The nursing process is a systematic, patient-centered approach used in nursing to ensure comprehensive and effective care. In mental health care, this process is applied to assess, diagnose, plan, implement, and evaluate the care provided to patients with various psychiatric conditions. Below is an application of the nursing process to mental health care, along with common nursing problems associated with different psychiatric conditions typically discussed in a nursing curriculum. ### 1. **Assessment** - **Objective:** Gather comprehensive data about the patient's mental and physical health, including their history, symptoms, behavior, thoughts, and feelings. - **Methods:** Interviewing the patient and family, conducting mental status examinations, observing behavior, and reviewing medical records. - **Common Findings:** Hallucinations, delusions, mood swings, anxiety, disorganized thoughts, impaired social interactions, and risk of