Ch. 09 Geriatric Care
Alzheimer's Disease
A progressive neurological disorder that is the most common cause of dementia, leading to a gradual decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning skills.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis, in which the bronchioles become inflamed, decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system even more severely
Dementia
Dementia, also called brain syndrome, is a loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation
Geriatric Care
Geriatric care is care provided to older individuals
Nocturia
Nocturia, or urination at night, is common and disrupts the sleep pattern
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis, a condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity, is common in elderly individuals
Cataracts
Cataracts, where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque
Disability
A disability is defined as a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions. Hearing impairments, visual defects, or the inability to walk caused by a fractured hip are examples
Gerontology
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and the problems of the old
Ombudsman
An ombudsman is a specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individuals to improve quality of care and quality of life
Arthritis
Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, causes the joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful
Cerebrovascular Accident
A cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, can result in permanent paralysis of one side of the body, or hemiplegia
Disease
Disease is usually defined as any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causes the bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break. Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, causes the joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful
Atherosclerosis
If the vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium, the condition is called atherosclerosis
Culture
Culture can be defined as the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next. An individual's culture can affect language, food habits, dress, work, leisure activities, and health care. Culture creates differences in individuals
Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficult swallowing, is a frequent complaint of the elderly
Incontinence
Loss of muscle tone results in incontinence, or the inability to control urination. Incontinence may also result from treatment for prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate gland) or for prostate cancer
Reality Orientation
Reality orientation (RO) consists of activities that help promote awareness of the person, time, and place
Autonomy
The capacity for self-governance, independence, and self-direction
Delirium
Delirium is the term used when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition
Emphysema
Emphysema, in which the alveoli lose their elasticity
Myths
Traditional, sacred stories from ancient cultures explaining the world, human experience, origins, or natural phenomena, often featuring gods or supernatural beings and conveying deep cultural truths, moral lessons, and values, passed down orally before being written
Senile Lentigines
Dark yellow or brown colored spots, called senile lentigines