Most commonly seen diagnoses at SNF/LTC?

[JPN_RN]

I start working at a SNF next week, so I want to review and touch up on some of the more common things I might see at these kind of facilities. It'd be great if I could also get an idea of what kind of skills/treatments I should probably review as well. Thank yous!

[workinmomRN2012, BSN]

DM, COPD, CHF, HTN, Dementia, Afib to name a few

[AngelRN27]

In terms of diagnoses, these patients are pretty much chronic but stable, so there isn't really much to review LOL you will learn as you go. Be sure you know the difference between insulins, and review the action and use of the different classes of anti-hypertensives and their relevant assessments.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

DM, COPD, HTN, CHF, ESRD, dementia, Alzheimer's, lots of cardiac dx.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

We have lots of ortho patients...knee and hip replacements. Pneumonias, CHF, AFib, status post bypasses, complex wounds...not all of my people are stable so the nurses have to good assessment skills.

[ibegyourpardon]

we have a lot of CHF, CRF, DM, A-fib, Dementia, and usually have a few residents with UTI at any given time so know your ABTs. you will learn as you go in LTC

[amoLucia]

Looking past diagnoses, you'll be dealing with pts whose ADL skills are their biggest functional deficit. Sometimes, it's not the diagnosis, but what the dx does to them. Remaining continent, safely transferring/ambulating, and participating in hygiene care decline and severely impacts on their quality of life.

Be aware of their psychological adaptation to institutionalization and family separation issues as impacting on their new lifestyles.

Parkinson's and arthritis contribute significantly to the ADL dysfunction while depression is very common among this population.

Diseases run from mild to severe end-stage and it's when the diagnoses start doubling & tripling & quadrupling up as co-morbidities that this group of pts are most vulnerable.

Strong, focused & knowledgeable nursing care with good medical mgt are essential.

Good luck and welcome.

[Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN]

Gerd, arthritis, thyroid, bladder, cholesterol, gout, etc.