key terms
Acceptance
The final stage of grief (Elizabeth Kübler-Ross) where the person understands and accepts the fact that they are going to die; they may complete unfinished business and help those around them deal with the coming death.
Arteriosclerosis
A thickening and hardening of the walls of the arteries, decreasing the blood supply to the brain; causes a decrease in mental abilities.
Daydreaming
A defense mechanism that is a dreamlike thought process that occurs when a person is awake; provides a means of escape from reality.
Displacement
A defense mechanism where feelings about one person are transferred to someone else (e.g., mad at boss, so you yell at your spouse).
Growth
Measurable physical changes that occur throughout a person’s life (e.g., height, weight, head circumference).
Adolescence
Life stage from 12 to 18 years old. Characterized by puberty, search for identity, and more independence.
Bargaining
The third stage of grief; occurs when patients accept death but want more time to live. They often turn to religion and make promises to God to obtain more time.
Defense mechanisms
Unconscious acts that help a person deal with an unpleasant situation or socially unacceptable behavior; used to cope with stress/anxiety.
Early adulthood
Life stage from 19 to 40 years old. Often the most productive life stage with physical development basically complete.
Hospice
Care that provides support and comfort for people who are terminally ill (with 6 months or less to live); focuses on palliative care (pain relief) rather than cure.
Affection
A warm and tender feeling for another person; a social/emotional need for love and belonging.
Chemical abuse
The use of chemical substances (alcohol or drugs) without regard for accepted practice; dependence on drugs or alcohol.
Denial
The first stage of grief; usually occurs when a person is first told of a terminal illness. The person refuses to believe the diagnosis ("No, not me!"). Also a defense mechanism.
Early childhood
Life stage from 1 to 6 years old. Involves significant physical and mental growth (learning to walk, talk, potty train).
Infancy
Life stage from birth to 1 year. The most dramatic and rapid period of growth and development.
Alzheimer’s disease
A progressive, irreversible disease involving memory loss, disorientation, deterioration of intellectual function, and speech and gait disturbances. Common in late adulthood.
Cognitive
Refers to intellectual development and includes learning, solving problems, judgment, and dealing with situations.
Depression
The fourth stage of grief; occurs when patients realize that death will come soon and they will no longer be with their families or complete their goals. Also a psychological condition of deep sadness.
Emotional
Refers to feelings and includes dealing with love, hate, joy, fear, excitement, and other similar feelings.
Late adulthood
Life stage from 65 years and older. Physical signs of aging become more obvious; mental abilities can vary.
Anger
The second stage of grief; occurs when the patient is no longer able to deny death. They may blame themselves, their loved ones, or health care personnel
Compensation
A defense mechanism where a person substitutes one goal for another definition to achieve success (e.g., not good at sports, so becomes a scholar).
Development
Changes in the intellectual, mental, emotional, social, and functional skills that occur over time; harder to measure than growth.
Esteem
The need to be respected, accepted, and feel self-worth; the fourth level of Maslow's hierarchy.
Late childhood
Life stage from 6 to 12 years old (often called "preadolescence"). Focus is often on school and social skills.