Chapter 33: Geriatric Emergencies Flashcards
A condition in which the walls of the aorta in the abdomen weaken and blood leaks into the layers of the vessel, causing it to bulge
abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)
Written documentation that specifies medical treatment for a competent patient should the patient become unable to make decisions; also called living wills
advance directives
an enlargement of a part of an artery, resulting from weakening of the arterial wall
aneurysm
fluid in the abdomen
ascites
clouding of the lens of the eye or its surrounding transparent membranes
cataracts
Also known as bedsores. These are sores caused by the pressure of skin against a surface for long periods. These sores can range from a pink discoloration of the skin to a deep wound that may invade into bone or organs.
decubitus ulcers
The formation of a blood clot within the larger veins of an extremity, typically following a period of prolonged immobilization
deep venous thrombosis
A more or less sudden change in mental status marked by the inability to focus, think logically, and maintain attention
delirium
The slow onset of progressive disorientation, shortened attention span, and loss of cognitive function
dementia
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
dyspnea
Any action on the part of an older person’s family member, caregiver, or other associated person that takes advantage of the older person’s person, property, or emotional state; also called granny beating and parent battering
elder abuse
The assessment and treatment of disease in someone who is 65 years or older
geriatrics
A visible bulging of the jugular veins in the neck that can be caused by fluid overload, pressure in the chest, cardiac tamponade, or tension pneumothorax
jugular vein distention
a forward curling of the back caused by an abnormal increase in the curvature of the spine
kyphosis
black, tarry stools
melena
A bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body and is often resistant to commonly used antibiotics; can be found on the skin, in surgical wounds, in the blood stream, lungs, and urinary tract
methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
A group of conditions in which the nerves leaving the spinal cord are damaged, resulting in distortion of signals to or from the brain
neuropathy
A generalized bone disease, commonly associated with postmenopausal women, in which there is a reduction in the amount of bone mass leading to fractures after minimal trauma in either sex
osteoporosis
An abrasion of the stomach or small intestine
peptic ulcer disease
An inflammation/infection of the lung from a bacterial, viral, or fungal cause
pneumonia
the use of multiple medications by a patient as typically seen in elderly people
polypharmacy
An age-related condition of the ear that produces progressive bilateral hearing loss that is most noted at higher frequencies
presbycusis
A condition that causes a sudden blockage of the pulmonary artery by a venous clot
pulmonary embolism
A highly contagious virus that causes an infection of the upper and lower respiratory system
respiratory syncytial virus
A fainting spell or transient loss of consciousness, often caused by an interruption of blood flow to the brain
syncope
A swelling of the foot and ankle caused by fluid overload. (unilateral denotes that it is only present in one extremity)
unilateral pedal edema
A bacterial infection that affects the urinary tract
urinary tract infection
