Chapter 09: Geriatric Care Key Terms Assignment
Alzheimer's disease
A progressive, neurodegenerative disease and the most common cause of dementia. It destroys memory and other important mental functions. It is distinct from normal aging and typically begins with mild memory loss and can lead to the inability to carry on a conversation or respond to the environment
Arteriosclerosis
A general term referring to the thickening, hardening, and loss of elasticity of the walls of arteries. This process restricts blood flow to organs and tissues
Arthritis
Inflammation of one or more joints, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness that often worsens with age. The two most common types are osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis
Atherosclerosis
A specific type of arteriosclerosis caused by the buildup of fats, cholesterol, and other substances (plaque) in and on the artery walls. This plaque can narrow arteries and block blood flow
Autonomy
The right of a patient to make decisions about their own medical care without their healthcare provider trying to influence the decision. It is a fundamental ethical principle in healthcare
Bronchitis
Inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the lungs. It causes coughing, often with mucus, and can be acute (short-term) or chronic
Cataracts
A medical condition where the lens of the eye becomes progressively cloudy (opaque), resulting in blurred vision. It is very common in older adults and can be treated with surgery
Cerebrovascular accident
The medical term for a stroke. It occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is stopped either by a blockage (ischemic) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic), causing brain cells to die
Culture
The shared values, beliefs, customs, languages, and behaviors of a specific group of people. In healthcare, understanding a patient's culture is vital for providing respectful and effective care
Delirium
A serious, often sudden, disturbance in mental abilities that results in confused thinking and reduced awareness of the environment. Unlike dementia, delirium is usually temporary and reversible if the underlying cause (e.g., infection, medication side effect) is treated
Dementia
An umbrella term for a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities severely enough to interfere with daily life. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome caused by various conditions
Disability
Any physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities
Disease
An abnormal condition that negatively affects the structure or function of all or part of an organism, and that is not due to any immediate external injury. Diseases are often known by specific signs and symptoms
Dysphagia
Difficulty swallowing. It can lead to serious complications like malnutrition, dehydration, or aspiration pneumonia
Emphysema
A chronic lung condition (part of COPD) where the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs are damaged and enlarged, causing breathlessness
Geriatric care
Specialized medical care and support focused on the unique health needs of older adults. It emphasizes maintaining function, independence, and quality of life.
Gerontology
The scientific study of old age, the process of aging, and the particular problems of older adults. It includes biological, psychological, and sociological aspects of aging.
Glaucoma
A group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, often due to abnormally high pressure in the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness for people over 60.
Incontinence
The lack of voluntary control over urination (urinary incontinence) or defecation (fecal incontinence). It is a common symptom in geriatric care but is not a normal part of aging
Myths
False beliefs or stereotypes about older adults. Common myths include the ideas that "senility is inevitable," "older adults cannot learn new things," or "older adults are not interested in intimacy."
Nocturia
A condition in which you wake up during the night because you have to urinate. It becomes more common as people age.
Ombudsman
An official appointed to investigate individuals' complaints against maladministration, especially that of public authorities. In long-term care, a Long-Term Care Ombudsman advocates for residents of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, protecting their rights and resolving complaints.
Osteoporosis
A disease that causes bones to become weak, brittle, and porous ("Swiss cheese" appearance). This increases the risk of sudden and unexpected fractures.
Reality orientation
A therapeutic intervention used to help confused patients (often with early dementia) understand their surroundings. It involves regularly reminding the patient of facts like the date, time, their name, and current location
Spiritual
Relating to the human spirit or soul as opposed to material or physical things. In healthcare, it refers to a patient's sense of meaning, purpose, and connection to something larger than themselves