“Group Therapy” plus 1 more nursing article(s): NursingCrib.com Updates
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| Group Therapy Posted: 12 Mar 2011 06:46 PM PST 
Definition Group therapy is a form of psychotherapy which as small, carefully selected group of individuals meets regularly with a therapist. The client participates in sessions with a group of people. These individuals share a common purpose and are expected to contribute to the group to benefit from others in return. In group therapy approximately 6-10 individuals meet face-to-face with a trained group therapist. During the group meeting time, members decide what they want to talk about. Members are encouraged to give feedback to others. Feedback includes expressing your own feelings about what someone says or does. Group rules are established that all members must observe. These set of rules vary according to the type of group. Purpose of a Group Therapy - It helps an individual gain new information or learning
- It helps an individual gain inspiration or hope.
- The group also allows a person to develop new ways of relating to people.
- During group therapy, people begin to see that they are not alone and that there is hope and help. It is comforting to hear that other people have a similar difficulty, or have already worked through a problem that deeply disturbs another group member.
- In a group, a person feels accepted.
- Group therapy sessions allow an individual to interact freely with other members that shares the same past or present difficulties and problems. The individual then, becomes aware that he is not alone and that others share the same problem.
- A person gains insight into one's problem and behaviors and how they affect to others.
- Altruistic behavior is practiced. Altruism is the giving of oneself for the benefit of others.
As the group members begin to feel more comfortable, they will be able to speak freely. The psychological safety of the group will allow the expression of those feelings which are often difficult to express outside of group. The client will begin to ask for the support he or she needs. Types of Group Therapy - Psychotherapy Groups
- Family therapy
- Education groups
- Support groups
- Self-help groups
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| Captopril Nursing Responsibilities Posted: 12 Mar 2011 05:27 PM PST 
Brand Name: Capoten Classification: Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor, Antihypertensive Indications - Hypertension
- Management of congestive heart failure (CHF)
- Reduces the risk of death or development of CHF after myocardial infarction (MI)
- Slows the progression of left ventricular dysfunction into overt heart failure
- Used to decreased the progression of diabetic neuropathy
Mechanism of Action - Captopril (Capoten) is an angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor. An Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme converts angiotensin I to angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a potent endogenous vasoconstrictor substance.
- ACE inhibitors block the conversion of angiotensin I to the vasoconstrictor angiotensin II. It also inactivates the vasodilator bradykinin and other vasodilatory prostaglandins.
- ACE inhibitors also increase plasma rennin levels and reduce aldosterine levels. This is due to the suppression of the rennin-angiotensin-aldosterone system resulting in decreased serum concentrations of angiotensin I and aldosterone. The reduction of angiotensin I leads to decreased aldosterone secretion and as a result small increases in serum potassium may occur along with sodium and fluid loss.
Contraindications - Hypersensitivity
- Cross sensitivity among Ace inhibitors
- Pregnancy
- Angioedema (hereditary or idiopathic)
Use cautiously in - Renal impairment
- Hepatic impairment
- Hypovolemia
- Hyponatremia
- Elderly patients
- Concurrent diuretic therapy
- Surgery or anesthesia
- Lactation
- Children
Side Effects - Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Weakness or excessive tiredness
- Cough
- Hypotension
- Tachycardia or fast heartbeat
- Taste disturbances: salty or metallic taste or decreased ability to taste
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Proteinuria
- Hyperkalemia
- Sore throat
- Fever
- Mouth sores
- Unusual bruising
Nursing Management - Monitor blood pressure and pulse frequently during initial dose adjustment and periodically during therapy. (for patients treated with hypertension)
- For patients treated with CHF, monitor weight and assess patient routinely for resolution of fluid overload. Signs of fluid overload are: peripheral edema, rales or crackles, dyspnea, weight gain and jugular vein distention.
- The nurse should keep in mind that Captopril may cause false-positive result for urine acetone.
- The drug should be administered 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. It may be crushed if the patient has difficulty swallowing.
- Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.
- Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
- Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
- Inform the patient that Captopril tablets may have a slight sulfur odor (like rotten eggs).
- Instruct the patient to notify the physician immediately when the following manifestations are experienced:
- chest pain
- swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, arms, or legs
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- fainting
- rash
image courtesy of mybesthealthportal.net  |
