Chapter 09: Geriatric Care Key Terms Assignment
me
me
Alzheimer's disease
Alzheimer's disease can occur in individuals as young as 40 years of age but frequently occurs in those in their 60s and 70s.
Bronchitis
Chronic conditions such as emphysema, in which the alveoli lose their elasticity, or bronchitis, in which the bronchioles become inflamed, decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system even more severely.
Dementia
Dementia, also called brain syndrome, is a loss of mental ability characterized by a decrease in intellectual ability, loss of memory, impaired judgment, personality change, and disorientation.
Geriatric care
Geriatric care is care provided to older individuals.
Nocturia
Nocturia, or urination at night, is common and disrupts the sleep pattern. Retention of urine in the bladder causes bladder infections
Arteriosclerosis
Arteriosclerosis, a condition in which the walls of blood vessels become thick and lose their elasticity, is common in elderly individuals
Cataracts
cataracts, where the normally transparent lens of the eye becomes cloudy or opaque.
Disability
A disability is defined as a physical or mental defect or handicap that interferes with normal functions.
Gerontology
Gerontology is the scientific study of aging and the problems of the old.
Ombudsman
an ombudsman is a specially trained individual who works with the elderly and their families, health care providers, and other concerned individuals to improve quality of care and quality of life.
Arthritis
. Arthritis, an inflammation of the joints, causes the joints to become stiff, less flexible, and painful.
Cerebrovascular accident
For example, a cerebrovascular accident, or stroke, can result in permanent paralysis of one side of the body, or hemiplegia.
Disease
Disease is usually defined as any condition that interferes with the normal function of the body.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma, a condition in which the intraocular pressure of the eye increases and interferes with vision
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis, a condition in which calcium and other minerals are lost from the bones, causes the bones to become brittle and more likely to fracture or break
Atherosclerosis
If the vessels become narrow because of deposits of fat and minerals, such as calcium, the condition is called atherosclerosis
Culture
Culture can be defined as the values, beliefs, ideas, customs, and characteristics that are passed from one generation to the next.
Dysphagia
Dysphagia, or difficult swallowing, is a frequent complaint of the elderly.
Incontinence
incontinence, or the inability to control urination.
Reality orientation
. Reality orientation is usually effective during the early stages of confusion or disorientation
Autonomy
Most individuals want to be independent and self-sufficient. Even 2-year-olds begin to learn autonomy as they assert their right to choose and strive to be independent. Just as children learn that there are limits to independence
Delirium
Delirium is the term used when confusion or disorientation is a temporary condition caused by a treatable condition.
Emphysema
Chronic conditions such as emphysema, in which the alveoli lose their elasticity, or bronchitis, in which the bronchioles become inflamed, decrease the efficiency and function of the respiratory system even more severely.
Myths
Through the study of the aging process and the elderly, many facts on aging have been established. However, many myths, or false beliefs, still exist regarding aging and elderly individuals
Senile lentigine
senile lentigines, appear. Although these are frequently called "liver spots," they are not related to the liver.