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Special Populations > Geriatrics > Flashcards

Geriatrics Flashcards

1
Q

acute respiratory distress syndrome

A

respiratory insufficiency marked by progressive hypoxemia, due to severe inflammatory damage

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2
Q

advance directive

A

legal document prepared when a person is alive, competent, and able to make informed decisions about health care. The document provides guidelines on treatment if the person is no longer capable of making decisions.

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3
Q

ageism

A

discrimination against aged or elderly people

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4
Q

Alzheimer’s disease

A

a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking, and behavior. It affects 4 million American adults.

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5
Q

aneurysm

A

abnormal dilation of a blood vessel, usually an artery, due to a congenital defect or a weakness in the wall of the vessel.

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6
Q

ankylosing spondylitis

A

a form of inflammatory arthritis that primarily affects the spine

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7
Q

anorexia nervosa

A

eating disorder marked by excessive fasting

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8
Q

anoxic hypoxia

A

an oxygen deficiency due to disordered pulmonary mechanisms of oxygenation

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9
Q

aortic dissection

A

a degeneration of the wall of the aorta

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10
Q

aphasia

A

absence or impairment of the ability to communicate, speak, sign or write. Can be sensory, motor, or global

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11
Q

assisted living

A

housing for the elderly or disabled that provides nursing care, housekeeping, and prepared meals as needed

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12
Q

autonomic dysfunction

A

an abnormality of the involuntary aspect of the nervous system

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13
Q

brain ischemia

A

injury to brain tissues caused by an inadequate supply of oxygen and nutrients

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14
Q

cataracts

A

medical condition in which the lens of the eye loses its clearness

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15
Q

comorbidity

A

having more than one disease at a time

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16
Q

congregate care

A

living arrangement in which the elderly live in, but do not own, individual apartments or rooms and receive select services.

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17
Q

delirium

A

an acute alteration in mental functioning that is often reversible

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18
Q

dysphagia

A

inability to swallow or difficulty swallowing

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19
Q

dysphoria

A

an exaggerated feeling of depression or unrest, characterized by mood of general dissatisfaction, restlessness, discomfort, and unhappiness

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20
Q

elderly

A

a person age 65 or older

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21
Q

dementia

A

a deterioration of mental status that is usually associated with structural neurologic disease. It is often progressive and irreversible

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22
Q

epistaxis

A

nosebleed

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23
Q

fibrosis

A

the formation of fiber-like connective tissue, also called scar tissue, in an organ

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24
Q

functional impairment

A

decreased ability to meet daily needs on an independent basis.

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25
Q

geriatric abuse

A

a syndrome in which an elderly person is physically or psychologically injured by another person

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26
Q

geriatrics

A

the study and treatment of diseases of the aged

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27
Q

gerontology

A

scientific study of the effects of aging and of age-related diseases on humans

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28
Q

glaucoma

A

group of eye diseases that results in increased intraocular pressure on the optic nerve; if left untreated, it can lead to blindness

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29
Q

glomerulonephritis

A

a form of nephritis, or inflammation of the kindeys; primarily involves the glomeruli, one of the capillary networks that are part of the renal corpuscles in the nephrons

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30
Q

heatstroke

A

life-threatening condition caused by a disturbance in temperature regulation; in the elderly, characterized by extreme fever and, in extreme cases, delirium and coma

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31
Q

hepatomegaly

A

enlarged liver

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32
Q

herpes zoster

A

an acute eruption caused by a reactivation of latent varicella virus (chickenpox) in the dorsal root ganglia; also known as shingles

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33
Q

hiatal hernia

A

protrusion of the stomach upward into the mediastinal cavity through the esophageal hiatus of the diaphragm

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34
Q

hypertrophy

A

an increase in the size or bulk of an organ or structure; caused by growth rather than by tumor

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35
Q

hypochondriasis

A

an abnormal concern with one’s health, with the false belief of suffering from some disease, despite medical assurances to the contrary; commonly known as hypochondria

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36
Q

immune senescence

A

diminished vigor of the immune response to the challenge and rechallenge by pathogens

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37
Q

incontenence

A

inability to retain urine or feces because of loss of sphincter control or cerebral or spinal lesions

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38
Q

intracerebral hemmorrhage

A

bleeding directly into the brain

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39
Q

intractable

A

resistant to cure, relief, or control

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40
Q

kyphosis

A

exaggeration of the normal posterior curvature of the spine

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41
Q

life-care community

A

communities that provide apartments/homes for independent living and a range of services, including nursing care. Usually the elderly own their own homes.

42
Q

maceration

A

process of softening a solid by soaking in a liquid

43
Q

Marfan syndrome

A

hereditary condition of connective tissue, bones, muscles, ligaments, and skeletal structures characterized by irregular and unsteady gait, tall lean body type with long extremities, flat feet, and stooped shoulders. The aorta is usually dilated and may become weakened enough to allow an aneurysm to develop

44
Q

melena

A

a dark, tarry stool caused by the presence of “digested” free blood

45
Q

Meniere’s disease

A

a disease of the inner ear characterized by vertigo, nerve deafness, and a roar or buzzing in the ear.

46
Q

mesenteric ischemia or infarct

A

death of tissue in the peritoneal fold (mesentery) that encircles the small intestine; a life-threatening condition.

47
Q

nephrons

A

the functional units of the kidneys

48
Q

nocturia

A

excessive urination during the night

49
Q

old-old

A

an elderly person age 80 or older

50
Q

osteoarthritis

A

a degenerative joint disease, characterized by a loss of articular cartilage and hypertrophy of bone

51
Q

Parkinson’s Disease

A

chronic, degenerative nervous disease characterized by tremors, muscular weakness and rigidity, and a loss of postural reflexes

52
Q

personal-care home

A

living arrangement that includes room, board, and some supervision

53
Q

polycythemia

A

an excess of RBC. In a newborn, the condition may reflect hypovolemia or prolonged intrauterine hypoxia

54
Q

polypharmacy

A

multiple drug therapy in which there is a concurrent use of a number of drugs

55
Q

pressure ulcer

A

ischemic damage and subsequent necrosis affecting the skin, subcutaneous tissue, and often the muscle; result of intense pressure over a short time or low pressure over a long time; also known as a pressure sore or bedsore

56
Q

pill rolling motion

A

an involuntary tremor, usually in one hand or sometimes in both, in which fingers move as if they were rolling a pill back and forth

57
Q

pruritus

A

itching; often occurs as a symptom of some systemic change or illness

58
Q

retinopathy

A

any disorder of the retina

59
Q

senile dementia

A

general term used to describe an abnormal decline in mental functioning seen in the elderly; also called “organic brain syndrome” or “multi-infarct dementia”

60
Q

Shy-Drager syndrome

A

chronic orthostatic hypotension caused by a primary autonomic nervous system deficiency

61
Q

sick sinus sydrome

A

a group of disorders characterized by dysfunction of the sinoatrial node in the heart

62
Q

silent myocardial infarction

A

a myocardial infarct that occurs without exhibiting obvious signs and symptoms

63
Q

spondylosis

A

a degeneration of the vertebral body

64
Q

Stokes-Adams syndrome

A

a series of symptoms resulting from heart block, most commonly syncope. the symptoms result from decreased blood flow to the brain caused by the sudden decrease in cardiac output

65
Q

stroke

A

injury to or death of brain tissue resulting from interruption of cerebral blood flow and oxygenation

66
Q

subarachnoid hemorrhage

A

bleeding that occurs between the arachnoid and dura mater of the brain

67
Q

substance abuse

A

misuse of chemically active agents such as alcohol, psychoactive chemicals, and therapeutic agents; typically results in clinically significant impairment or distress.

68
Q

tinnitus

A

ringing or tingling sound in the ear

69
Q

transient ischemic attack

A

reversible interruption of blood flow to the brain; often seen as a precursor to a stroke

70
Q

two-pillow orthopnia

A

the number of pillows needed to ease the difficulty of breathing while lying down; a significant factor in assessing the level of respiratory distress

71
Q

urosepsis

A

septicemia originating from the urinary tract

72
Q

Valsalva maneuver

A

forced exhalation against a closed glottis, such as with coughing. This maneuver stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system via the vagus nerve, which in turn slows the heart rate

73
Q

varicosities

A

an abnormal dilation of a vein or group of veins

74
Q

vertigo

A

the sensation of faintness or dizziness; may cause a loss of balance

75
Q

factors in decreased medication compliance

A 
limited income
memory loss
limited mobility
sensory impairment
multiple drug therapies
fear of toxicity
childproof containers
duration of therapy
76
Q

factors in INCREASED medication compliance

A 
good pt-physician comms
belief that disease is serious
drug calendars/reminders
compliance counseling
easy-open packaging
multi-compartment pillboxes
transportation svc to pharmacy
clear, simple direction in large type
ability to read
77
Q

Conditions that complicate eating among the elderly:

A 
respiratory problems
abd pain
N/V, often due to meds
poor dental care
medical problems: hyperthyroidism, hypercalcemia, and chronic infections
Meds
ETOH and drug abuse
depression and anorexia
poverty
problems with shopping or cooking
78
Q

Effects of malnutrition in elderly

A

vitamin deficiencies
dehydration
hypoglycemia
electrolyte abnormalities

79
Q

Complicating factors in geriatric assessment

A 
misreported symptoms
multiple diseases
multiple complaints
chronic vs. acute signs
diminished response to pain
altered temperature regulating mechanism
80
Q

Common symptoms of senility

A 
delirium
confusion
distractibility
restlessness
excitability
hostility
81
Q

physiological effects of aging on respiratory system

A

decreased cx wall compliance
loss of lung elasticity
increased air trapping due to smaller airways
reduced str and endurance of respiratory muscles
cough and gag reflex reduced

82
Q

physiological effects of aging on cardiovascular system

A

left ventricular hypertrophy
hardening of arteries
changes in heart rate, rhythm, effeciency

83
Q

physiological effects of aging on the neurological system

A 
brain tissue shrinks
loss of memory
depression
AMS
impaired balance
84
Q

physiological effects of aging on the endocrine system

A

lowered estrogen production (women)
decline in insulin sensitivity
increase in insulin resistance

85
Q

physiological effects of aging on GI system

A

diminished digestive functions
decreased saliva
decreased esophageal and intestinal motility

86
Q

physiological effects of aging on Thermoregulatory System

A

reduced sweating

reduced shivering

87
Q

physiological effects of aging on Integumentary system

A

skin thins and becomes more fragile

88
Q

physiological effects of aging on musculoskeletal system

A

loss of bone strength

loss of joint flexibility and strength

89
Q

physiological effects of aging on renal system

A

loss of kidney size and function, anemia, HTN

90
Q

physiological effects of aging on genitourinary system

A

loss of bladder function

91
Q

physiological effects of aging on immune system

A

diminished immune response / immune senescence

92
Q

physiological effects of aging on hematologic system

A

decrease in blood volume and/or RBCs

93
Q

vasodepressor syncope

A

“fainting”, may occur after emotional distress, pain, prolonged bed rest, mild blood lost, prolonged standing, anemia, fever

94
Q

orthostatic syncope

A

occurs when rising from seated or supine position. May be caused by hypovolemia, venous varicosities, prolonged bed rest, autonomic dysfunction; drugs, esp. HTN medicine

95
Q

vasovagal syncope

A

occurs as a result of a Valsalva maneuver

96
Q

cardiac syncope

A

due to transient reduction in cerebral blood flow due to a sudden decrease in cardiac output. Possibly due to silent MI or arrythmia

97
Q

strategies for reducing stroke risk:

A 
control HTN
Rx arrhythmias and coronary artery disease
Rx of blood disorders 
Smoking cessation
cessation of recreational drugs
moderate use of ETOH
exercise
nutrition
98
Q

Diabetes places the elderly at increased risk of other complications, including:

A 
atherosclerosis
delayed healing
retinopathy
blindness
altered renal function
severe peripheral vascular disease (foot ulcers and amputations)
99
Q

The leading cause of suicide

A

depression

100
Q

risk factors for suicide

A 
chronic illness
physical impairment
unrelieved pain
living in a youth-oriented society
family issues
financial problems
isolation and loneliness
substance abuse
low serotonin
bereavement
family history of suicide

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