Detecting Condition Change in Long-Term Care Patients

The Detecting Condition Change in Long-Term Care Patients course is designed to strengthen the clinical awareness and observational skills of nurses and healthcare providers working in long-term care settings. Early recognition of subtle changes in patient status is essential for timely intervention, improved outcomes, and the prevention of complications in vulnerable populations.

This course emphasizes evidence-based practices for monitoring, identifying, and responding to condition changes in patients with chronic illnesses, comorbidities, or age-related decline. It provides a structured framework for integrating clinical judgment, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration in long-term care environments.

Topics covered include:

• Principles of Early Detection: Recognizing baseline patient status, risk factors, and indicators of deterioration.
• Common Condition Changes in Long-Term Care: Altered mental status, respiratory compromise, dehydration, infection, and acute pain.
• Assessment Strategies: Use of standardized tools, vital signs monitoring, and integration of patient and family observations.
• Clinical Decision-Making: Differentiating between normal aging processes and pathologic changes.
• Communication and Documentation: Effective reporting to physicians and advanced practice providers, ensuring continuity of care.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Working with care teams to initiate timely interventions and improve patient safety.
• Case-Based Scenarios: Application of concepts through real-world examples to reinforce critical thinking.

Completion Requirements:

To receive full CE credit, participants must:

• Register for the course.
• Complete all course modules and assigned readings.
• Pass the post-test with a score of 70% or higher.
• Submit course evaluations for each module.

Course materials may include case scenarios, state-specific policy references, and downloadable clinical tools for use in practice.

Important Disclosures:

• Conflict of Interest: Faculty and planners report no relevant financial relationships.
• Commercial Support: This activity received no external commercial funding or sponsorship.
• Non-Endorsement: Accreditation does not imply endorsement of any commercial products or companies.
• Off-Label Product Use: Any mention of off-label drug use is consistent with current clinical guidelines and evidence-based practice.