NURS9710 The 3 Ds Dementia, Delirium and Depression

In this topic students will be given information which will equip them to compare and contrast the characteristics of the three diagnoses which affect many people who are ageing. It will introduce the student to the anatomy, diagnosis and management of depression, delirium and depression in the acute health context, residential aged care context and community context.

This topic aims to introduce and extend students' knowledge of dementia, delirium and depression, how to distinguish the diagnoses, what they are and what they are not. It will cover the physiological manifestation of these diagnoses, and introduce students to strategies which will assist them to make the distinctions, and the ultimate management and how to approach the person suffering from dementia. The social context and living circumstances of the person with dementia will be explored.

1. Distinguish between dementia, delirium and depression and the underlying pathophysiology of each
2. Assess clients for dementia, delirium and or depression
3. Appraise assessment tools for dementia, delirium and depression
4. Formulate care plans that encompass therapeutic, physiological and psycho/social management of clients who have dementia, delirium and or depression inclusive of their families
5. Contextualise the complexity of dementia, delirium and depression to their area of practice
6. Provide education to others on dementia, delirium and or depression