CLASSWORK - Ch. 09 Geriatric Care - Key Terms
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease: A progressive and irreversible brain disorder characterized by the buildup of abnormal proteins (amyloid plaques and tau tangles), which leads to a gradual deterioration of memory, reasoning, language, and physical functioning.
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis: A general medical term for the hardening and stiffening of artery walls from any cause, which can interfere with blood flow and increase blood pressure.
Arthritis
Arthritis: Inflammation of one or more joints, often resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness, and a decreased range of motion.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis: A specific type of arteriosclerosis where fatty deposits called plaque build up on the inner walls of medium and large arteries, potentially leading to narrowings or blockages.
Autonomy
Autonomy: In healthcare, the right of a patient to make their own decisions regarding their medical care and treatment.
Bronchitis
Bronchitis: Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs.
Cataracts
Cataracts: A clouding of the normally clear lens of the eye, which leads to a decrease in vision.
Cerebrovascular accident
Cerebrovascular accident: Commonly known as a stroke, this is a disruption in the normal blood supply to the brain, causing brain cell death.
Culture
Culture: The collective beliefs, customs, arts, and institutions of a particular group of people.
Delirium
Delirium: A serious disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment.
Dementia
Dementia: A general term for a decline in mental ability severe enough to interfere with daily life, of which Alzheimer's is the most common cause.
Disability
Disability: A physical or mental condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.
Disease
Disease: A particular abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia: Difficulty swallowing, which can be a symptom of various medical conditions, including advanced neurological disorders.
Emphysema
Emphysema: A chronic lung condition that causes shortness of breath due to over-inflation of the alveoli (air sacs in the lung).
Geriatric care
Geriatric care: Specialized medical care for older adults, focusing on the unique health needs and challenges associated with aging.
Gerontology
Gerontology: The scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of older people.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma: A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye.
Incontinence
Incontinence: The involuntary loss of bladder or bowel control.
Myths
Myths: Widely held but false beliefs or ideas, often related to aging or health conditions.
Nocturia
Nocturia: A condition where a person wakes up one or more times during the night to urinate.
Ombudsman
Ombudsman: An official appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities or care facilities.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis: A medical condition in which the bones become brittle and fragile from loss of tissue, typically as a result of hormonal changes or deficiency of calcium or vitamin D.
Reality orientation
Reality orientation: A therapeutic technique used with individuals with cognitive impairment to help them stay aware of their environment, time, and identity.
Thrombus
Thrombus: A blood clot formed in situ within the vascular system of the body and impeding blood flow.