From the November 2011 issue of The Clinical Advisor: This program focuses on managing diabetic ketoacidosis in adults.

Activity Objectives:

— Describe what happens when glucagon is released in the liver.
— Identify the most common stressor in patients with hyperglycemic crisis.
— Understand the role of fluid resuscitation in managing diabetic ketoacidosis.

— Explain the basic dosing strategies involved in basal/bolus insulin therapy.

Program Description:

Greater cognitive impairment has been empirically related to poorer pain assessment by physicians among nursing home residents. Additionally, the literature tells us that pain exacerbates the behavioral manifestations of dementia to a greater degree among those with severe dementia than those with mild and moderate dementia. Thus, patients with cognitive deficits are more likely to receive delayed or incorrect diagnoses. This session examines appropriate assessment tools (visual analogue vs numerical rating), validity of pain behaviors in the cognitively impaired, and complex assessment strategies that are often required when dealing with this patient population.

Target Audience: Physicians, Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, RNs, and other healthcare professionals who treat older patients with pain

Agenda:
Introduction: 5 minutes
Presentation: 45 minutes
Post/Test and Evaluation: 10 minutes

Activity Objectives:

After taking part in this educational activity, participants should be better able to:

— Recognize the prevalence of co-morbid chronic pain and cognitive impairment

— Define strategies for assessing pain in cognitively impaired persons

— Review methods to assess (and treat) QOL as well as chronic pain

To take this course, go to mycme.com. The log-in information for myCME is the same as McKnight’s. Please note that you will need to complete additional registration information.