Ch. 09 Geriatric Care - Key Terms
Alzheimer's disease
A form of dementia causing progressive, incurable changes in brain cells, characterized by a lack of a neurotransmitter that allows messages to pass between nerve cells.
Bronchitis
A chronic condition in which the bronchioles (air tubes in the lungs) become inflamed, decreasing respiratory efficiency.
Dementia
A loss of mental ability characterized by decreased intellectual ability, memory loss, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation.
Geriatric care
Care provided to older individuals.
Nocturia
Frequent urination at night, which can disrupt sleep patterns.
Arteriosclerosis
A condition common in the elderly where the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity.
Cataracts
A condition where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque.
Disability
A physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions.
Gerontology
The scientific study of aging and the problems of the old.
Ombudsman
A specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families to improve quality of care and ensure their rights are respected.
Arthritis
An inflammation of the joints that causes them to become stiff, painful, and less flexible.
Cerebrovascular accident
Also known as a stroke; it occurs when blood flow to the brain is obstructed by a clot or a ruptured vessel, damaging brain cells.
Disease
Any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body.
Glaucoma
A condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision.
Osteoporosis
A condition where calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causing them to become brittle and likely to fracture.
Atherosclerosis
A condition where blood vessels become narrow due to deposits of fat and minerals like calcium.
Culture
The values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics passed from one generation to the next.
Dysphagia
Difficult swallowing, often caused by less saliva and a slower gag reflex in the elderly.
Incontinence
The inability to control urination, often resulting from a loss of muscle tone.
Reality orientation (RO)
Activities that help promote awareness of person, time, and place for confused or disoriented individuals.
Autonomy
Self-governance or the ability to decide for oneself by making choices and pursuing a course of action.
Delirium
A temporary state of confusion or disorientation caused by a treatable condition.
Emphysema
A chronic respiratory condition in which the alveoli (air sacs in the lungs) lose their elasticity.
Myths
False beliefs, specifically those regarding aging and elderly individuals.
Senile lentigines
Dark yellow or brown colored spots on the skin, frequently called "liver spots," which are common with aging.