Working with Developmentally Disabled Patients

Working with Developmentally Disabled Patients It's not uncommon to have a patient that is developmentally disabled. Many adults with disabilities suffer from early onset diseases normally associated with geriatric patients. Depending on the specific disability, the patient care may be no different than any other, however some may require special attention.

Down Syndrome Patients Medical care and prevention has come a long way since the 1960s, with care for people with a diagnosis of Down syndrome. In 1960 the average lifespan for a person with Down syndrome was only 25 years of age. Today that average age has risen to 48, a great improvement. Much of this is due to the socialization that has advanced over the years and made improvement in lifestyle and living for this special group of individuals.

Today most people with Down syndrome function as other in their age group. Many work jobs, have girlfriends/boyfriends, and marry when they meet Mr. or Mrs. Right. Government regulations have changed for the better and it is generally arranged for the individual to receive proper life skills trainings, and then live on their own or with a roommate.

People with Down syndrome are most often very friendly, don't you wish everyone could be that way. They tend to be social and enjoy meeting new people. That being said, a patient in the hospital will probably interact very well with socialization and answering questions. They may demonstrate more fear of needles or painful procedures, their bodies are often hyper sensitive and may require sedation if the procedure requires the body to be stationary. Some Down syndrome patients may not feel pain at the normal level, so it's important to pay extra attention in case that is the situation with your patient. Down syndrome is one of the more common developmentally disabled conditions, so at some point you will most like work with a patient with downs as the diagnosis.

Related: How can a Nurse Manager Decrease Staff Levels?

Williams Syndrome Williams’s syndrome is actually a very recognizable developmental disability if you understand the condition. The physical appearance of most Williams’s syndrome patients is often similar, and consists of being small in stature, a slight turned up nose, and the lack of ability to gain weight. The most prominent feature of anyone with Williams’s syndrome is their personality.

Almost all Williams syndrome patients will be very friendly, treating everyone as a friend instead of a stranger. They have very pleasant

personalities, however not respecting boundaries is a fairly common problem, and they may need to be reminded of personal space and personal information. The concern with Williams syndrome patients are most often they will tell you what you would like to hear, versus how they actually feel.

They are happy, and they want you to be also. As endearing as that is, they need to be monitored closely to ensure they are not overlooking pain or discomfort.

Prader Willi Syndrome Patients You may be familiar with this condition, however if not you should get detailed information prior to caring for the patient. Prayer Willis patients suffer from a genetic disorder in which they are always hungry, and nothing will ever fill them up. They gain weight very easily, which makes it worse, they generally must be on approximately 900 calories per day to avoid weight gain. They think of food constantly, which is natural, since they are always hungry. That being said, they will do whatever they have to in order to get food. One Prader Willi patient was left alone with an ample supply of coffee, he ended up in a coma after consuming 8 pots of coffee in less than one hour. A patient with Prader Willi needs to be monitored closely to ensure they are adhering to their physician’s dietary instructions.

Pica Patients You are probably familiar with pica, it is not uncommon to have a pica patient, as they have a high rate of surgical needs. People that have a diagnosis of pica will eat anything, literally. Edible, or inedible, so it's very dangerous if not under control. Pica patients have swallowed scissors, pens, paper clips, and even large staplers. In many instances the object cannot be retrieved, and must be surgically removed. Pica patients that do not have their condition under control, need to be monitored closely so that they don't consume inedible objects.

Related:

Why are Preventive services so important in Nursing?

Autistic Patients Autistic patients may be a challenge at times. The severity of autism has an impact on how well the patient will respond when hospitalized. In severe cases you will need specialized training if the patient does not have a one on one care Attendant with them at all times.

Regardless of the diagnosis of a developmentally challenged patient, specialized training in that area will be of great benefit, the more you know, the better things will go. Attending seminars or conferences on

developmental conditions can come in handy when needed. Many patients with developmental conditions will have plans, or an outline that explains how to work with them, their schedule, likes and dislikes, etc.

Keep in mind that many patients with developmental disabilities that have one psychiatric diagnosis, can have more than one, this is referred to as dual diagnosis. Being careful to look over the entire medical record will benefit you in developing a rapport with your patient. Taking a little extra time with developmentally delayed patients, explaining carefully what you are doing, will ensure better cooperation from your patient. They may be afraid, and in pain, yet unable to express what is wrong, or what they want. Consulting with family members or caretakers can provided beneficial information to help when you need to provide care to your patient. Don't hesitate to inquire into the patient's preferences, likes and dislikes, in most cases routine is an important factor in their day to day life. Every patient is unique in their own way, and patients that are developmentally delayed are no different. Getting to know your patient and doing what you can to see they are comfortable should always be a main concern. All patients are more willing to cooperate if they feel at ease in their surroundings.

Related: Leading Registered Nurse Julie Twiss, RN, BSN to be Published in the Worldwide Leaders in Healthcare as New Member of the International Nurses Association Please follow us on Facebook, Linkedin, Pinterest and Twitter