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