Ch. 09 Geriatric Care - Key Terms
Alzheimer’s disease
Alzheimer’s disease (AD): A progressive, irreversible brain disorder characterized by gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the bronchial tubes, often causing coughing and difficulty breathing.
Dementia
Dementia: A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life (e.g., memory loss, impaired judgment).
Geriatric care
Geriatric care: Healthcare specifically provided to elderly individuals.
Nocturia
Nocturia: The need to get up at night frequently to urinate.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis: Hardening and thickening of the walls of the arteries, which can restrict blood flow.
Cataracts
Cataracts: A condition where the lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque, leading to decreased vision.
Disability
Disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
Gerontology
Gerontology: The scientific study of aging and the problems associated with the elderly.
Ombudsman
Ombudsman: A specially trained individual who acts as an advocate for residents in long-term care facilities to ensure their rights are protected.
Arthritis
Arthritis: Inflammation of the joints, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced flexibility.
Cerebrovascular accident
Cerebrovascular accident (CVA): Commonly known as a stroke; occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted.
Disease
Disease: A disorder of structure or function in a human, especially one that produces specific signs or symptoms.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma: Increased pressure within the eyeball, which can damage the optic nerve and cause vision loss.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis: A condition in which bones become porous, brittle, and easily fractured due to loss of calcium and minerals.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis: A specific type of arteriosclerosis where fatty plaques (cholesterol) build up on artery walls.
Culture
Culture: The values, beliefs, and customs shared by a group of people, which can influence how they view aging and healthcare.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.
Incontinence
Incontinence: The inability to control the evacuation of urine or feces.
Reality orientation
Reality orientation (RO): A program or technique used to help confused or disoriented individuals maintain awareness of person, place, and time.
Autonomy
Autonomy: The right or condition of self-government; in healthcare, it refers to a patient's right to make their own decisions.
Delirium
Delirium: A sudden, temporary state of confusion and disorientation often caused by illness or medication.
Emphysema
Emphysema: A chronic lung condition where the alveoli (air sacs) are damaged, causing shortness of breath.
Myths
Myths: False beliefs or widely held but incorrect ideas (e.g., "all elderly people are senile").
Senile lentigines
Senile lentigines: Dark yellow or brown spots that appear on the skin of elderly people (commonly called "liver spots").