Ch. 09 Geriatric Care - Key Terms
Alzheimer's disease
a form of dementia that causes progressive changes in brain cells
Arteriosclerosis
the thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries that occurs in old age
Arthritis
inflammation of one or more joints
Atherosclerosis
a condition in which plaque builds up inside your arteries
Autonomy
self governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a choice of action
Bronchitis
when the bronchioles become inflamed, decreasing the efficiency and function of the respiratory system
Cataracts
where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
Cerebrovascular accident-
happens when blood flow to a part of the brain is cut off by a blockage or bleeding causing brian cells to die from lack of oxygen
Culture
the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next
Delirium
when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition
Dementia
loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation
Disability
defined as a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions
Disease
any condition that interferes with the normal functioning of the body
Dysphagia
difficult swallowing; frequent complaint of the elderly
Emphysema
when the alveoli lose that elasticity
Geriatric care
care provided to older individuals
Gerontology
scientific study of aging and the problems of the old
Glaucoma
a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Incontinence
inability to control urination
Myths
false beliefs
Nocturia
the frequent need to wake up more than once at night to urinate
Ombudsman
advocate for residents in nursing homes
Osteoporosis
a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causing the other bones to become brittle
Reality orientation
activities that help promote awareness of person, time and place
Senile lentigines
dark yellow or brown colored spots that appears on the skin