Common Aging Diseases and Functions Flashcards
Right-sided failure of the heart
edema- a build-up of fluids outside of the blood vessels that forces fluid into the tissues, occurs mostly in the ankles gradual loss of energy; anorexia (loss of appetite for food); constipation; weight gain (because kidneys cause the body to keep too much sodium and water; grayish or blue color of the skin due to decreased blood flow
Osthritis
this is the most prevalent form, also called degenerative joint disease As the disease progresses, the cartilage and other components of the joint begin to wear away or degenerate.
the respiratory tract
thousands of cilia (small hair like elements) line the passageways and help propel outward any foreign materials that may be inhaled from the air. Coughing expels these particles from the body and back into the environment.
a fever or very weak condition resulting from the infection. Treatment generally includes some type of antibiotic therapy when bacteria are the cause of this infection.
the signs and symptoms of pneumonia are very similar to those already described and may include
Essential Hypertension
The cause of essential hypertension is unknown, and therefore the disease is without a complete cure, but it can be successfully controlled by medicatio
Chronic renal failure that has progressed to the stage where little or no urine is being produced is called
end stage renal disease (ESRD)
Herpes Zoster (shingles)
one of the diseases that primarily affects elderly individuals is herpes zoster, more commonly called shingles ; This infection is caused by the herpes varicella virus (not to be confused with herpes simplex) which travels along nerve pathways to infect skin cells
Three distinct phases of Alzheimer’s disease have been identified as
Stage I - forgetfulness or early stage, Stage II - confusion or mild stage, and Stage III - dementia or terminal stage
Grade I
acute inflammatory response, often over a bony prominence; skin red, but unbroken
Stasis ulcers
the sores that result from extremely poor peripheral circulation or peripheral vascular disease
Two of the most common diseases that disrupt the metabolism of important nutrients are
anemia and diabetes
Cataract
a cloudiness that affects the transparency of the lens to the extent that light cannot get through to the retina of the eye
Blood circulation
the basic processes and structures that enable the body to transport oxygen to the cells and tissues
Osteoporosis
a condition of decreased skeletal mass without alteration of any chemical components of bone
Myocardial infarction (MI)
(literally meaning heart muscle death) results when a large enough area of the heart muscle does not receive oxygen for a period of time
Arteries
the vessels that carry blood rich in nutrients away from the heart to the remainder of the body cells
Calcium
used to build bones and teeth, giving them their hard structure; also helps to clot blood
Alzheimer’s disease
the most common form of dementia seen in persons over 60 years old; its incidence increased dramatically after that age (Maddox & Sussman, 2001, p. 62; Singh, 2010, p. 586). The Alzheimer’s patient displays an intellectual impairment that is irreversible (Pratt, 2010, p. 39).
Aphasia
the term used to describe an inability to interpret and formulate language
Nasogastric tubes
inserted through the nose and enter the stomach
Dementia
a broad, non-specific term denoting cognitive loss
Musculoskeletal system
the bones, muscles, tendons and joints used in movement
The chief function of the respiratory process
providing the body with oxygen while removing excess carbon dioxide
Transient ischemic attacks (also termed “mini-strokes”)
caused by a temporarily diminished blood supply to the brain
The most common classification of lung disease
chronic obstructive lung disease (COLD) or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
The Inflammation Response
Inflammation occurs in the physical responses by the other body systems when fighting off infection of some external threat
Incontinence
the inability to control the timing of elimination
Kidney dialysis
(hemodialysis, i.e. filtering the blood) requires special equipment that performs much like the kidney in filtering unwanted waste materials and fluids from the blood
Ostomy care includes
special care for a skin opening to the intestine and/or urinary tract such as a colostomy (opening to the colon)
Excretory system
the way in which the body relieves itself of fluid and chemical waste products
Hemorrhoids
another painful disturbance that can affect the elimination of waste materials from the body. A hemorrhoid is a vein in either the rectum (internal) or around the anus (external) that becomes enlarged. The external type are usually more painful for the resident. Hemorrhoids may either be the causes or result of chronic constipation.
Arteriosclerosis
Usually, arteries are smooth inside and can stretch to permit the passage of more blood and oxygen when needed. With arteriosclerosis, the blood vessels are not as responsive as they previously were.
Constipation
an irregularity in or lack of elimination of waste materials from the body
Atherosclerosis
In this, the most common form of arteriosclerosis, there is a progressive buildup of fat deposits on the inner lining of blood vessel walls
Respiratory rate >30 breaths/minute; Pulse > 125 beats/minute; Altered mental status; History of dementia
Independent variables associated with mortality within 30 days in nursing home acquired pneumonia
Breathing
the process by which the body obtains oxygen from the environment and distributes it throughout the body
Esophagostic tubes
pass through the neck into the esophagus
The renal system consists of
the two kidneys, which filter wastes from the blood, and two ureters, which transmit the filtered materials (urine) from the kidneys to the bladder, where the urine is stored until discharged through the urethra
The goal of treatment is
to achieve the highest quality of life while maintaining physical function
Grade II
extension of the acute inflammatory response through the dermis to subcutaneous fat
External and internal defense mechanisms
the skin and an internal immune system, which play important roles in protecting the body from any harmful invasions
Signs and symptoms of decubitus ulcers include
tingling, pale skin color, or other signs that there is a loss of circulation to an area; reddened area of skin over a bony prominence; a sore that will not heal; edema (swelling) of the lower legs and shiny skin
When residents cannot eat
nasogastric, esophagostomy, or gastrostomy tube feeding may be prescribed by the physician
Nutritional needs
needs of the body for nutrients (Evans, et. al., 2000, p. 140 ff.)
treatments typically used include
prescribing weight loss and diet therapy, including restricted salt intake
Diabetes
occurs when the body is unable to metabolize glucose (sugar) because of a problem with a hormone, insulin, that is produced by a ductless gland, the pancreas
Alveoli
the many air-filled sacs that are the site of the actual oxygen-carbon dioxide exchange
Oxygenation
the transfer of oxygen from the blood cells at the capillary level into the necessary tissues in exchange for carbon dioxide
Hypothermia
(low body temperature) an issue of special concern to nursing home staff Usually, the body temperature is maintained between 97 and 99 degrees Fahrenheit.
large amounts of sugar continually circulating in the bloodstream, causing the condition known as
hyperglycemia (high blood sugar)
Hearing impairments can also be due to
a buildup of wax in the ear or to what is known as a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss
Parkinson’s disease
a group of symptoms that can progressively lead to complete disability in those severely affected
Peptic Ulcers
may occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. Two of the most common types are gastric ulcers that affect the mid-stomach and duodenal ulcers that involve the lower stomach
Anemia
a condition in which hemoglobin is deficient, resulting in the body not getting enough oxygen
Potassium
contained in fluids and tissues; important in muscle contraction, maintains the body fluid balance, and also acts as a buffering mechanism in the bloodstream
Ulcer
a wearing away of the inner lining of the stomach wall and is due to a chronic buildup of excessive levels of acid
Grade III
extension though fat to deep fascia, base of ulcer infected
Iron
important in building healthy red blood cells that are able to carry oxygen
Calories
the units of measurement for determining the amount of energy that is contained in foods or used by the body
Cerebrospinal fluid
protects the brain and spinal cord
Emphysema
results in a loss of elasticity in all of the lung tissue
Decubitus Ulcers
Pressure sores is the federal government’s preferred term for these infections known also as bed sores, decubitus ulcers, and stasis ulcers (ulcers resulting from tissue death due to reduced blood flow, all terms for the same process - tissue breakdown
Oxygen
a colorless, odorless, gaseous chemical element that is found in the air
Secondary hypertension
in the elderly results from other underlying diseases, including anemia, fever, endocrine disease or hormonal disruption, arteriosclerosis and/or kidney disease
Cancer
a disorder of the immune system because cancer cells act as antigens and are known to attack many organs or cells throughout the body
Treatments of MI
Nitroglycerin; Propranolol hydrochloride (Inderol ® is referred to as a beta blocker because of its action in blocking body chemicals that act to increase the heart rate); There are also a variety of antiarrhythmic medications available
High blood pressure
is usually considered to be present when the blood pressure measurement is consistently greater than 140/90
High-fiber diet
to provide bulk; similar to regular diet, but with foods that are difficult to digest; e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and bran
Lymphatic fluid
carries white blood cells and fluids from the tissues
the psychological status
Emotional and mental well-being
Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction can range from
none at all to various types of angina or, most serious, to a complete cessation of heart activity that occurs after MI or complete heart block
Pressure sores are typically classed as
Grade I, I, III, and IV
Soft diet
for residents who need a diet that is low in fiber, soft in texture and mild in flavor.
High blood pressure
is usually considered to be present when the blood pressure measurement is consistently greater than 140/90
High-fiber diet
to provide bulk; similar to regular diet, but with foods that are difficult to digest; e.g., fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads and cereals, nuts, and bran
Lymphatic fluid
carries white blood cells and fluids from the tissues
the psychological status
Emotional and mental well-being
Symptoms of Myocardial Infarction can range from
none at all to various types of angina or, most serious, to a complete cessation of heart activity that occurs after MI or complete heart block
Pressure sores are typically classed as
Grade I, I, III, and IV
Soft diet
for residents who need a diet that is low in fiber, soft in texture and mild in flavor.
some signs of hypertension
prolonged, elevated blood pressure greater than 140/90, or the individual’s norm, and prolonged presence of risk factors such as overweight, smoking, high salt intake
Mechanical soft diet
same as soft diet, except texture is either chopped, pureed or ground to make foods easier to ingest. (Note
Pneumonia
an infection in the lungs caused by either a virus or bacteria
High-calorie-high-protein diet
may include milk shakes, meats, and similar foods, to provide additional sources of protein
Rheumatoid Arthritis
a much more serious form of arthritis. It can affect any age group. This is considered an autoimmune (Kerr, 2006; Landefeld, et. al., 2004, p.264) disease because it is thought the body begins to attack its own cells in the joint, causing an inflammatory reaction.
Food provides the body with
the nutrients necessary to cell functioning
Strict full-liquid diet
consists of foods and liquids that are liquid at body temperature, but can include cold ice cream and hot soup.
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
the most common GI disorder affecting the nursing home population (Landefeld, et. al., 2004, p. 220). This problem occurs when the contents of the stomach move back up into the esophagus due to failure of the valves between the esophagus and stomach.
Increased risk for urinary tract infections includes
prostatic hypertrophy and loss of estrogen effect, neurogenic bladder from stroke or diabetes, incontinence, and use of indwelling and condom cathethers
Dysarthria
(literally, imperfect articulation of speech) a speech rather than a language abnormality that may accompany paralysis, weakness, or lack of coordination
Congestive Heart Failure
This is not a disease, but is actually a complex set of many symptoms associated with an impaired performance of the heart
CHF Signs and symptoms include
symmetric inflammation of joints on both sides of the body;frequent flare-ups and remissions of pain; stiffness and joint swelling, usually in the hands; pain, often occurring in the morning hours and decreasing with exercise
There are two types of this high blood pressure disease
(a) essential hypertension and (b) secondary hypertension
Aortic Stenosis
The term describes a narrowing of the aorta, which is the major artery leading from the heart and channeling the oxygenated blood supply to the rest of the body
Digestion
the process by which the body breaks down food into a form in which the nutrients may be used by the individual cells
Coronary Artery Disease
Also known as chronic ischemic heart disease, here the heart muscle itself suffers from a lack of oxygen due to blockages in the coronary arteries that usually supply it
Veins
The blood cells carry carbon dioxide through the vein network and back to the heart. Veins return blood that is carrying carbon dioxide back to the heart through the superior (from upper body) and inferior (lower body) vena cava
Infection from urinary catheters
usually impossible to prevent
renal calculi
(kidney stones) are formed in the kidney as a result of an imbalance in body chemistry. These stones are hard crystalline stone-like substances that become a problem when they block urine flow out of the kidney or block any other area of the renal system
Metabolism
the transformation process in which nutrients undergo various chemical reactions throughout the body, producing energy while also helping cells perform necessary functions
Signs of cerebrovascular disease can be
slurred speech, blurred vision, dizziness, numb hands and fingers, and mental confusion
Digestion
the process by which the body breaks down food into needed nutrients
Renal failure
the inability of the kidney to filter out body waste products This can be either an acute (short-term) or more likely, a chronic (long-term) process.
urinary incontinence
the inability to control the timing of urination. Bladder or urinary incontinence more often than one time a week is a common problem in nursing facility residents
Infection
when bacteria or viruses are successful in penetrating the defense mechanisms in large numbers or are allowed to enter the areas of the body where they are not usually found
Dyspepsia
a chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen which is thought to arise in the upper GI tract; Symptoms including nausea, bloating, early satiety or reflux symptoms; Treatment is difficult
Nervous system
responsible for controlling all of the body functions and assuring that they are functioning properly; these are the regulatory activities
Glaucoma
a chronic condition that is actually a complex of many different symptoms
There are four different types of glaucoma
(a) chronic, (b) acute, (c) secondary, and (d) congenital
Reproductive system impacts
sexuality in the elderly
Cerebrovascular Disease
This disease manifests itself through restricted blood flow to the brain, caused by occlusions within the carotid arteries that supply blood to the brain
Symptoms of Coronary Artery Disease can include
chest pain - commonly called angina - which results from a lack of oxygen to certain areas of the heart muscle; pain may be located anywhere in the chest, especially in the left arm or neck
The two most common forms of treatment for End Stage Renal Disease
kidney transplantation and dialysis
Frontotemporal dementia
a heterogeneous syndrome that includes progressive aphasia and corticobasal degeneration syndrome
Chronic renal failure
may be caused by cardiovascular changes leading to a decreasing amount of blood being filtered through the kidneys
Plasma
Blood plasma is the straw-colored/pale-yellow liquid component of blood that normally holds the blood cells in whole blood in suspension.
Sodium
acts as a buffering mechanism, helps dissolve substances in the bloodstream, monitors the amount of fluid in the body
The two most common causes of organic brain syndrome are
(a) Alzheimer’s disease, and (b) cerebrovascular insufficiency or reduced blood flow to the brain
Grade IV
deep ulceration reaching the bone
The immune system
often referred to as the second line of defense; it protects the internal structures of the body
intermittent claudication, which is a complex of symptoms (Evans, et. al., 2000, p. 345) including the following
pain on movement of an extremity; pain that is chronic in a localized area; cold, numb feet
Presbycusis
the term used to describe any hearing impairment in old age
Organic brain syndrome
brain failure, and senility are all different words describing the same disorder.
Minerals needed by the body
calcium, sodium, iron, potassium
Peripheral Vascular Disease
This actually describes a group of diseases that affect the veins, arteries and other blood vessels of the extremities
Gastrostomy tubes
surgically inserted directly into the stomach
Nosocomial Infections
Infections that are associated with institutionalization or acquired while in a health care facility
residents who may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease are
those with high blood pressure, previous history of heart disease, and overweight
a stroke, or cerebrovascular accident (CVA)
this occurs when the lack of oxygen for a much larger area of the brain causes permanent damage
chronic bronchitis
caused by a continuing irritation of the bronchi (the two airways into the lungs
Left-sided failure of the heart
frequent coughing or wheezing; shortness of breath (dyspnea) a result of the blood backing up into the lungs thus decreasing the amount of space in the lungs available to hold air. This is one of the definitive signs of CHF and usually occurs after exercise; confusion and loss of memory are severe symptoms that suggest the disease has progressed far enough to damage the brain tissue
Peritoneal dialysis
may be performed for the bedridden patient; it involves filtering out excess fluids from the peritoneum, which lines the abdominal organs (i.e., the serious membrane lining the walls of the abdominal and pelvic cavities, containing the viscera). This procedure is similar to kidney dialysis. The waste products are filtered out through dialyzing the peritoneal cavity instead of the kidneys themselves.
Contractures
a deformity that result when the muscle has shortened and pulls the adjacent joint into a flexed position After a period of time the joint becomes fixed in this position and results in a permanent deformity in which the joint cannot be straightened.
